Annoying eaters?

Question

How can you tell someone they are an annoying eater, and ask them to not be so annoying without making them mad?

Answer 1

This is a very difficult subject. The best way to let someone know that they have an annoying or even disgusting habit is to get them alone so you don't embarrass them in front of others, and gently tell them the truth.

Just start off with something like, "It may not be my place to tell you, but if the situation were reversed, I'd want someone to let me know." Don't use words like "disgusting or gross." Tell them that their eating habits are "noticeable." Give specifics like, "you shouldn't chew with your mouth open."

Either they are aware and will not want to hear, or they will be truly grateful that you have saved them further social embarrassment. If you aren't willing to accept that this person MIGHT be so embarrassed that they get mad at you, don't do it. Just don't eat around them anymore.

Answer 2

Oh Lucas..that is such a difficult question. I eat at work with someone who blows on her food so hard that the breath goes to my face. So I put a big bag in front of me. She actually eats ok when she's eating. But she has long nails and will dig in her ears after she eats. Then pick her teeth with her waxy nails. Or clean her nails with the edge of her bottom teeth.

I want to say something but we work closely and I'm afraid to hurt her feelings. So that's when I get immediately up and go back to work. Always ruins my dining experience so I try to finish before the wax attack starts.

Oh, and I forgot scratching her head with the same nails. Disease city. I'll read your replies from others and maybe they can help us both. Good luck.

Answer 3

if it's during the actual meal you can joke lightly that they're apparently enjoying themselves a fair bit and hopefully they'll realize what they're doing and tone it down. Otherwise you really can't say much if you don't know them that well to talk to them in private about it. It also depends on what they're doing that constitutes them being an "annoying" eater i.e. talk with their mouth open, elbows on table, crass remarks that aren't suited for the topics being discussed, etc.

Answer 4

If you know a small child that is well mannered you could always get the child to comment on good table manners in front of the annoying eater.

Answer 5

How are they annoying? Do they smack their lips or what? I hate someone chewing with their mouth open. Depending on the relationship with them, you can tease them about it lightly. Honesty is the best policy...most people don't realize they're doing anything annoying. If it's a semi-stranger or your boss or something, I wouldn't say anything. Just stay away from them when you eat.

Answer 6

Let's see. How about "You're an annoying eater could you please try not to be so annoying"? Oh yeah "Try not to get mad even though I am the one who should be mad because you are annoying me"?

Answer 7

I've had to do it before but I just said it with a kind tone in my voice. One of my co-workers eats with her mouth wide open and very loudly. I asked her if she could chew with her mouth closed because the sound of someone chewing makes me cringe. I told her its like someone running their fingernails down a chalk board. She was very understanding.

Answer 8

Whatever they're doing, do it back to them only 10 times louder.

For instance, if they are slurping or spitting, just accidentally hock a logue onto their plate and just ignore it. Then when they protest, you can be like "Woah dude, now that's calling the kettle black." And then you can proceed to telling them how you were just teaching them a lesson.

Or you can stop eating with them.

Answer 9

hahaha funny
are you in Texas now? because I think the annoying eater that you're talking about is my brother, what's his name?lol, thank god he doesn't live with me anymore. lol

Answer 10

It may not be possible... I've tried it and failed miserably. However, I've managed to succeed in stopping them from scraping their utenils on teeth and plates by saying it triggers migraines (which it does for me...). Wish I knew the answer.