How do you politely ask a coworker to not talk with her mouth full?

Question

She is a very kind women and I do not want to be rude, but she does this constantly to the point where I actually see food fall from her mouth. This is a huge pet peeve of mine. I know people will say to sit else where, but this is a very small lunch room, one table only. Is there a nice way to bring this up to her or in a group discussion where she might get the point?

Answer 1

difficult to tell,but probably it will lead to the moment you have to
politely tell her

Answer 2

She is a very kind woman with no manners at the table, however.

Why do people give hints, make up lies, etc. and not have the ability to say something whether it be politely, blunt or impolite. Hinting is cowardly and hoping one will "get it" is wishful thinking.

You should kindly tell her that she may not realize it but food falls from her mouth when she talks and eats at the same time and it's making you nauseous. Apologize for having to tell her but you'd rather she know, that when you can't sit with her, because of your weak stomach, she'll know the reason. I would go outside and eat before I sat there watching someone recycle their food in their mouth. I'm fearful I'd vomit. How about that for a "hint"???

Answer 3

Come on!This is a grown woman.She should know better,but since she don't just stop her when she starts and make up a lie that someone you know choked on their food while trying to talk while she was eating and you don't want that to happen to her. Or just tell her that she needs to cover her mouth when she talks because you are trying to eat (in a joking way)

Answer 4

Lucky 7 and Mutvultur had the best ideas in my opinion. Whichever way you chose, you'd be making yourself heard, And talk about doing something politely....you tell her politely that she is IMPOLITELY using bad table manners. Bless you for your kindness; she'd want to quit her job if it was me she sat accross from.

Answer 5

Either look her in the eyes everytime or yourself talk with your mouth full. Either way, she might finally get a clue.

Answer 6

Just politely ask her next time she does it. I wouldn't mention it in a group, unless it comes up. Say it in a funny way - like, hey you got a hole in your bottom lip? or, I have to take small bites or that happens to me....something like that. Hope that works. :)

Answer 7

Perhaps you can type a nice note & put it in her mailbox. Explain that she is truly a nice person & that this is not meant to make her feel bad. Although she may feel a little embarrassed, she will appreciate the note. It can be anonymous, or you may sign your name. By signing your name, she won't be always wondering who "sent the note". Good luck.

Answer 8

when she starts talking with her mouth full, fake like you are chewing sloppily on your tounge with your mouth open. Maybe say "uh-huh" when you do it. She'll get the hint.

Answer 9

1.Kinda, in a half joking way..tell her it looks like her mouth is an open blender!
2.Squint your eyes, like your grossed out, when you see food in her mouth!
3.You could just start talking about how hard it is to train your child, or some child not to chew with their mouth closed!
***Maybe she'll eventually get the hint!

Answer 10

My experience has been when people are this socially unconscious. Yes I do mean asleep. When they are this unconscious the best way is to be direct but polite.

Would you please, not talk with your mouth full?

If you feel you need to explain tell her she is very hard to understand when she does this.

Answer 11

Look away when she's talking, or put you head in a book.I have the same problem. I just blantantly ignore. Soooo gross.