Why is he complaining?

[Anonymous]

I am a very quiet and reserved person. There's this guy who I like and works in the same section at work. He is confident and easy-going and likes to talk with everyone.

We don't talk much. Yesterday, he tried to strike up a conversation with me but at that given moment I was extremely busy. He asked me a closed-ended question so, I answered his question, didn't know what else to say, and continued working. Few moments later, I heard him talking with his friend (who is also a coworker) nearby, where he complained that I always cut the conversation short with him. He could see that I was very busy, so why was he complaining?

[spartan55]

How would he know you were busy? Did you tell him that? It is probably a trend with you, that's why he said it. Why do you care anyway?

[Asker]

Thanks for your time to reply. It was easy to detect that I was busy. I do care because I don't want him to think that I hate him or that I don't want to talk to him. I did continue to work as I didn't know what else to say. I'm still trying to improve my social skills in general as unfortunately I tend to focus more on work and tend to keep to myself.

[spartan55]

"it was easy to detect I was busy" TO YOU it was, not to everyone. That's why it's good to let people know if you are busy so they can adjust. Are you saying you aren't willing to do that?

[Asker]

I am not saying that. In fact, I agree with you that yesterday, I could have said that I was busy so that it is clear for everyone.
However, I initially asked why was he complaining that I ALWAYS cut the conversation short... when he asks me something (not only yesterday), he always asks me questions that require yes/no answers... usually such questions don't require long conversations. I am asking as I'm curious and trying to improve myself.

[spartan55]

If he is asking only closed ended questions then you could add to your answer. "Yes, kind of like when the TPS report gave those results, what do you think of that?"

[Asker]

Got it! Thanks for your help!

[spartan55]

Good luck!

[slatyb]

What an ass. He feels entitled to your attention.