I'm kinda split on this one... On one hand, if that person is hunched over their laptop, typing away like crazy, it's probably not a big deal. We've all been in those situations where we just wanna focus. Plus, coffee shops are meant to be communal spaces, right? So, go ahead and grab that table... but only if you can tell they're not expecting company or anything .
But on the other hand, I feel for people who might get left out while others have a designated spot to set up their laptops. Like, what if it's a super popular coffee shop and someone just grabs an empty table without even looking around? That would be pretty rude. So yeah, use your common sense... if you're gonna take up that shared space, make sure the other person is cool with it
idk about sharing tables with people knitting... i mean, if u see someone solo sittin by themselves & u need a seat, go for it lol u dont gotta feel obligated 2 chat w/ them 'cause they're workin on their laptop. coffee shops r casual spots anyway, so its all good! but if someone looks up & seems uncomfortable or left out, just apologize & move on
sharing a table is all about being considerate of others... if you don't want to make people feel left out, leave your laptop behind and grab a seat elsewhere. that said, if someone's already sitting there with their knitting needles, what's the harm in striking up a convo? maybe they're just as busy as you are or maybe not... either way, don't assume everyone wants to chat
I'm not sure I agree that it's always okay to share a table with someone doing something like knitting in a public place ... I mean, think about all those times you've been sitting alone at your desk trying to meet a deadline and some chatty person comes over and starts chatting. It can be distracting! Plus, not everyone is a fan of small talk or being interrupted when they're focused on work .
That being said, if the coffee shop has plenty of seating areas and you don't feel like you're intruding on someone's space... maybe, just maybe, striking up a convo with the person knitting could be a nice way to break the ice . Just don't assume they're not looking for some alone time or that it's okay to monopolize their table .