Would it seem strange to you to share an office and not talk all day to your office mate?

I have worked with some really nice and talkative people in my long career. I really enjoy the interaction of my coworkers. But hate to share an office.

In the last few months I have had to share an office with another man who does not talk to me. I do not think he is shy because he does talk alot on the phone with friends and has people come by he is quite social with. For some reason he has decided I am not worthy of his time and conversation. I suspect he feels like he is better than me.

If I did not share an office I could just ignore him and write him off as someone I do not share anything in common with. But because we are together every day, it seems strange to me.

Would it seem odd to you to be with someone day after day in the same small space and not communicate?

I have tried many times to strike up a conversation but usually get one or two word answers. I see no reason why he is unfriendly other than he is a snob and is a higher social class.

I was wondering if that would make others ill at ease.

I have worked in that type of environment before. I had a very demanding and overly agressive boss and she and I were not on speaking terms for a long time. We sat in cubicles at the time with low walls where you could stand up and see each other over the wall. Well, she sat right behind me and if I had a question, I would email her and she would respond. This was the situation for about 6 months before she was fired. It was quite tense in our office for a long time and I dreaded coming to work everday because I knew that I had to have constant contact with her as she WAS my BOSS. LOL

I would suggest breaking the ice one day and bring in some coffee for the both of you or whatever he likes to drink and some bagels. Specifically bring in his drink and put a little note on it saying it was from you. Hopefully he'll say Thank you OR SOMETHING -- but if he doesn't, then it's a small price to pay to find out he is a jerkoff that doesn't deserve to be your 'friend' in the office. I hope you two do become somewhat of friends and can talk occasionally about events going on in the world -- but don't try too hard as this guy may not be what you may expect.

Yes, it does seem odd. I think you need to be the one to break the ice and talk to him. I'm sure you've heard bits of his conversations to be able to find something you have in common. You can say something like "I overheard you mention classic cars (or whatever) and I've always admired them, wished I could have one, or something similar. For all you know, he might be thinking the same thing about you - that you think you're better than he is. Go ahead a break the ice. At least you'll know.

Yes it would. Granted there are many people who you might not have anything in common with and you "write" them off but it still doesn't stop you from saying a few words to them in passing or a quick hello or good morning.

For your office mate to not say anything, not even like, hey how was your weekend, did you catch the game last night or even just a "good morning" is not right, in fact it's rude. Nothing says you have to be buddy buddy and hang out or even do lunch but a little interaction now and then never hurt anyone.

It would make me down right uncomfortable. Have you tried initiating the first conversation? Maybe he thinks you're the rude one.

Just a thought.
Good luck

Yes! That is abnormal behavior for sure. I would find myself forcing some kind of conversation with him.
Does he resent you for some reason? Promotion quicker than him? Raise faster than him? Better rapor with the boss, making him feel threatened?
If he has no reason other than he just thinks you are beneath him, he is a big douche. At that point, I would probably start to f$%# with him. You know like they do to Dwight on The Office.

It would seems odd, but don't worry about it. I would just stick with a simple good morning, and good evening and leave it at that. Maybe he feels he shouldn't have to share an office, but too bad. That's life. I share one too.