I'm not a fan of engineers. I especially don't prefer to socialize with them. Even working with them is frequently aggravating. The stereotype of the socially inept engineer is just too close to the truth.

Engineers are supposedly brighter than the average moron, yet they're apparently unable, as a lot, to learn the basics of social interaction. Just how smart could they be, then? Social skills just aren't that difficult. Ma'ams and sirs; holding doors; please and thank you; wait your turn; don't interrupt; respect personal space; listen before speaking; et cetera. When taught by their parents, even children can learn these basics. Why can't engineers?

I am frequently interrupted during my lunch time for benign, work-related questions. Some stand too close. Others cannot control the volume of their voices (too loud or too soft). Far too many expel personal gases at their desks, roommates notwithstanding. One of my favorites is personal grooming done at the desk. One of my peeves is speaking foreign languages in the presence of those who cannot understand--i.e., not the language of the country providing them their livelihood.

Subtle hints are almost always lost on engineers. An end-of-conversation "Well..." may as well be chaff in the wind. A gentle refusal to make eye-contact when interrupted, suggesting urgent deadlines must take precedence over personal conversations, is seemingly always lost on engineers. Even beginning to walk away from some speakers is merely an "invitation" to be followed rather than the hint that I'm ready to get outta there! How can a bright person miss such subtle but common clues?

Engineers must work with other people just as much as most any other profession. They need to get along with others. They need to avoid burning social bridges, else it may be more challenging to find work next time. All of this is lost on most engineers, though. Do they think they're so much better than others that the usual pleasantries and courtesies don't apply to them? In my experience, even the brightest engineers ain't that bright, really, and they're certainly not beyond the same moral and ethical code to which we all must submit.

I have my theories as to why engineers tend to conform to the social boob stereotype, but they don't excuse the poor behavior. Spare an IQ point or two and learn to interact with those of your same species, you social morons.

For the record, I am an engineer, too, but even though both of my parents were engineers (and did not do a great job of teaching me my social skills), it wasn't difficult for me to pick up on the basics of social interaction via mere observation and at a young age. (I should also add this disclaimer: any failure to observe social norms on my part is calculated and deliberate and not due to ignorance--but that's a whole other story.)