My unreasonable pet peeve is driving me crazy.?

Question

This is going to sound really bizarre. I'm 17 and for the last couple of years, I have started to hate people chewing gum. The sound of them chewing it (or even worse---popping it), the smell, watching someone's mouth move...it drives me insane. I have ADD (if that has anything to do with it) and I can't work in class if I hear or see someone chewing gum. My iPod was stolen so I can't shut it out, and earplugs don't work for me.

My parents tell me to just stop letting it bother me and that I'm mean and intolerant. I want to let it stop bothering me and I know that this is a stupid problem, but I just can't stop. I can't shut it out and I can't stop it from getting under my skin. I have already talked to a psychiatrist about it, but she didn't seem that concerned. Why is this happenning and how can I get better? Any ideas?

Answer 1

Chewing gum is an annoying habit. Just because it's common, like talking on cell phones in public and tossing cigarette butts out windows, doesn't mean it's not rude or an annoyance.

The problem is, this is such accepted behavior that it's not going to go away.

You aren't going to rid the world of gum chewers. You aren't. For your sake you need to find a way to make peace with it.

Think about it as their defect. Those poor fools, they have to chew gum to soothe themselves!

Of course, not all gum chewing is bad. Some people really need fresh breath. I mean REALLY need it. Be glad those people are chewing.

Good luck with the obsession. It would suck to be bothered by this common behavior.

Rest assured, you're not going to change others. The only person you have a chance of changing is yourself.

Answer 2

Sounds like your medication for ADD isn't working as good as it should. That is a compulsive disorder - being obcessed with gum chewing. Get a new iPod and a new psychiatrist. The only time I chew gum is in church during the service. It is a nasty habit but you need to chill out and get a grip. Good Luck!

Answer 3

With ADD it will be difficult to "tune out" but here's what I do.

Whenever something is really bugging me (and many things do lately) I think of Trunk Bay on the island of St. John. My wife and I took a trip there once. The bay has this long extension of a beach, palm trees lazily blow in the wind, the water is clear and a crystal blue (and I went skinny dipping there, too). It was absolutely as close to heaven an experience I'v had and so nice to enjoy nature and the sunshine.

So perhaps you have a favorite memory -- mostly a nature memory will be helpful.

Hope this helps you...

If my answer has provided the information that you are looking for, please rate it. Thank you.

Answer 4

Well think of how many worse things you could have to put up
with. Like people picking their nose!! Or chewing on their finger
nails. It is natural for people to chew gum or it wouldn't be sold in
stores. I don't really like to be around people that chew gum either, but just imagine that it is you chewing the gum and everyone is yelling at you to stop it. Say I won't stop I will chew it when ever I want. Keep telling your self that when ever you are
bothered by it, and don't look at them. It's worse if you see them
doing it.

Answer 5

I have the exact same problem.

only EVERYTHING gets on my nerves and drives me nuts...
people clicking their pens, tapping their feet, jingling their keys, fiddling with the change in their pockets, whistling, ETC.

It is a function of Attention Deficit Disorder.

no, we can't "just ignore it" (how I wish I could)

the only thing that helps me is I take medicine for ADD (Concerta) and for depression (Lexapro). I still notice all the noises, but they don't drive me quite as stark raving mad as before. I also carry earplugs with me wherever I go.

You should see a different psychiatrist (find one that specialized in ADD perhaps) and impress upon him or her just how disruptive this problem is for you!

my heart is out to you.

cause I know how exasperating this can be.

I live with it every day of my life.....
it doesn't get any better with age
(but the medicines and the earplugs do help)

Answer 6

I had ADHD and I think this pet peeve has just become an obsession for destraction. You'll grow out of it. I have a pet peeve of dumb blondes. they drive me nuts and I can't stand listening to them, I'll get over it. I also can't stand seeing people bite their nails, ewww. I also don't like it when fat girls wear clothes that are way too small, or skin tight. I hate seeing their fat jiggle. *ugh----ok enough venting, i could go on for ever

My husband hates it when I chew gum because I tend to be noisy about it. With ADD you get distracted very easily. That's all this is.

Answer 7

Instead of just seeing them chew gum imagine them chewing up shorts.

Answer 8

Hey don't fret. I had to have dinner with family last weekend and the sound of people 'chewing their cud' really got on my nerves. Not to mention the burping and stuff.

This is just a natural dislike for you. Why should you enjoy listening to people make nasty sounds???

Instead of trying not to hate it....maybe you should concentrate on dealing with your peeve....if you get really annoyed by someone chewing their gum just excuse yourself and go for a short walk while concentrating on something positive.

Answer 9

I'm much older than 17 and it REALLY bugs me too. I usually just stare at the person until they stop chewing. Then, if asked, I tell them that the gum chewing bothers me and would they please stop. It might not stop their impolite behavior, but you got your point across.

Answer 10

I'm chewing gum as I type this. Try chewing it yourself to experience the delightful minty freshness it gives your breath. You will then have fresh minty breath and be more fun to be around. (chomp chomp)