Walking in between two people who are engaged in a conversation can be considered rude in many social settings. Doing so may disrupt their communication and create an awkward interruption. It can also be perceived as disrespectful because it shows a lack of consideration for their interaction.
In most cultures, it is generally considered polite to give people their personal space when they are having a conversation. If you need to pass between two people who are talking, it's best to do so with care and awareness of the situation. Here are some tips to handle such situations politely:
Wait for a break: If possible, wait for a natural pause in their conversation before passing between them. This way, you won't interrupt their flow, and it shows respect for their communication.
Excuse yourself: If you must pass through, politely excuse yourself with a simple "Excuse me" or "Pardon me." This signals your intention and acknowledges that you are intruding on their space briefly.
Go around: If there's enough space, consider walking around the pair instead of walking directly between them. This action demonstrates your consideration for their conversation.
Apologize if necessary: In case you accidentally disrupt their conversation, apologize for the interruption and continue on your way.
Of course, there can be exceptions based on the specific context and relationship between the individuals involved. For example, in casual and close-knit settings, people might not mind if someone familiar walks between them during a conversation. However, in more formal or professional situations, it's best to err on the side of politeness and avoid interrupting ongoing conversations whenever possible.