Why do I get so irritated w/ other peoples' chewing sounds?

Question

OK, sometime it's more than irritated. It can be like fingernails on a chalkboard...chewing, moving food around their mouth, smacking, gulping, smacking fingers, slurping...why does it drive me to near insanity???

I meant to add this...I know that I make chewing and swalling sounds when I eat. I just don't know why other peoples' eating noises drive me nuts!

Answer 1

Sound like you are dealing with what I would call, "anticipatory anxiety". (You start getting irritated the very moment you hear the chewing sounds of other people).

Easier said then done. Please try and teach yourself "behaviour modification". When you hear the sounds of other people chewing, you have to learn how to do everything in your power not to let this irritation take total control over you. (Once that happens you will feel just like you describe "near insanity".

Try to teach yourself how to block out the sounds of chewing by other people. You know, when you feel this feeling coming on so you need to think of something beautiful. Could be a song, a pray, nature, etc. etc. The key is not to let the irritation take over you.

With a little mind over matter on your part, soon your mind will not react in a negative way to the chewing sounds coming from other people.

Everything in life requires some personal work on your part.

I am a Clinical Psychiatrist, an I hope that I have given you some thoughts on how to resolve this issue.

Wish you all the best.

Answer 2

If other people bother you soooooooooooooo much then why don't you move into a cave by yourself. Personally, when I eat food I chew with my mouth closed. When I chew gum my mouth is closed unless I blow bubbles. I blow bubbles when I get insanely borde....like in class. And I must say when I go to the food court, MALES are horrible about keeping their mouths closed! But then again they can't seem to keep their pants zipped either!

Answer 3

It gets more irritating when they talk and chew at the same time.

Answer 4

I know what you mean! Sometimes I want to put a bag over their heads! It is a big pet peeve of mine, when people chew with their mouths open. Nasty habit

Answer 5

I feel the same way. It is REALLY a pet peeve. My husband does this and every meal I have to remind myself to forgive this one quirk in an otherwise great guy because I want to strangle him when he chews.

Answer 6

Its just a pet peeve. It bothers me too, its a very distinct sound, like someone eating a banana that bothers me and then when people lick their fingers, I just want them to bite them off or offer them mine because its like they couldnt get enough of the food they have to jump to their fingers. Maybe because its just disgusting, thats why it bothers you.

Answer 7

Don't feel bad, I feel the same way. I think it is totally gross, plus there's no reason for someone to make chewing sounds while eating...it's totally rude!

Answer 8

I absolutely hate the sound of stupid people that crunch their damn food. I want to punch them and sometimes envision it..I never take the abuse route but it is pretty ******* annoying..manners people ....get a life it is not cute at all..

Answer 9

It bothers me too. Perhaps since my grandmother used to crack at us to "stop smacking your lips!" when I was a kid. Put the fear of death into me over the sound of lips smacking... lol

Answer 10

omg, there was an Asian lady at my old job that everytime she came up for her break she heated up her gross asian food (sorry asians that are reading this, it is nasty lookin) and would not only chomp, but smack her lips toegther. it is so nasty. i would eventually start twitching and would catch myself getting so irritated. that i'd have to leave. or i i'd scream so bad. girl/boy you are not alone. its nasty.