Originally Posted by LTN Phobia

I'm one of those annoying hermits who keeps the shades closed as long as possible because my eyes are rather light-sensitive and they often plain hurt if there is any glare etc.

However, if someone looks like they're struggling to read a physical book nearby and no-one around me is sleeping, I'd offer to open it.

As far as I'm concerned I'm in a shared space so I'd try to fit in with other people's needs when I can do so without causing myself a silly amount of inconvenience.

I'm not afraid to politely ask to lower the blinds if the glare is really hurting my eyes and I really don't want to sit there with my eyes closed or with eye shades on for hours or can't see the screen for glare (e.g. I need to work). If they oblige, good. If not, I'd happily live with it as it's their prerogative. So far, no-one's ever refused my polite request though. I always start with an apology for even asking them to do something for my own benefit and say I won't be at all offended if they said 'no' because it's their right to keep it open...