A friend of mine chews with her mouth open and thus makes a very loud smacking noise with her tounge and lips. Many other friends of mine and hers have noticed as well. We are offended by the way she chews because it is very audible and of course because her mouth is kept open. What would be the most polite way to let her know about her offensive lack-of-manners? I don't want to offend her but I can not deal with it any longer.
2007-04-18 08:06:54 · 15 answers · asked by Mint 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I really don't think there is a polite way of saying "close your mouth while your chewing" but then chewing with your mouth open is pretty rude too.
I would just be honest with her, in private of course. She may not be aware that she is doing this. Tell her that it is a problem for you, that it is impolite to chew with your mouth open.
Then on the other hand, does she have a breathing problem, maybe she can't breathe when her mouth is closed.
The most important thing is not to confront her in front of other people.
I hope this helps.
2007-04-18 08:21:25 · answer #1 · answered by meg3f 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is no way she can not notice her mouth is open while she's chewing, food has to be falling out all of the time, and she's probably licking her chops rather than using a napkin. The only non-offensive way to let her know is to not take any more meals with her. Otherwise, you have to be blunt and at the risk of being rude, just tell her. Those are your options, hope this helps.
2007-04-18 15:28:03 · answer #2 · answered by Hot Coco Puff 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would be carful if I were you. I have a lock jaw problem and I have to chew a certain way or else my jaw get stressed out. I'm very insecure about it and a friend of mine said very rudely one day" are you chewing with your mouth open?" yes I replied. then she said "eww thats gross I'm gonna throw up" How rude was that. I got so made I told if she didn't like it then she could leave. and that someone should have taught her a lesson in manners first. We don;'t talk to much anymore that really hurt my feelings. I kept thinking to myself after that, if she's have said it differently would I have reacted differently? Honestly, I don't know I think I would have told her the same thing either way, I just would have stayed mad this long! good luck
2007-04-18 22:47:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
In my art class there was a guy who sat in front of me....every day he smacked his lips as he chewed his gum. It drove me nuts. Finally, I got up the courage to ask him to stop. I just looked him straight in the eye (and with a little smile) and asked him very politely if he could please chew with his mouth closed. He smiled back and said yes...problem solved.
I thought it would be a big deal asking him to stop...I thought he would get offended. It isn't so.
2007-04-18 15:37:33 · answer #4 · answered by Led*Zep*Babe 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a friend that does the same thing, I know she knows this is annoying as she hears me constantly tell my son to chew with his mouth closed no one wants to hear him smacking and yet she still smacks, I want to tell her but people tell me that I always come off mean, I live in the south and am from NY, so I guess to southerners honesty is rude, lol
2007-04-18 15:13:55 · answer #5 · answered by misskittys357 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
my friend does the same thing. but i have known her for many years so i just tell her to stop chewing like a cow. or i ask her if shes grazing. as for a polite, non-offensive way to tell her, i think you should just flat out say "can you please close your mouth when you are chewing". i don't know that there is a nice way to tell someone that their chewing is pretty much nauseating to witness.
2007-04-18 15:13:01 · answer #6 · answered by jack_skellington49 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just stare at her and chew the exact same way she is. She'll probably comment on it, and when she does, tell her that it's what she does!
I did that for my friend before, she found it amusing and wasn't entirely embarassed that she hadn't noticed herself doing it.
2007-04-18 15:26:44 · answer #7 · answered by Whooosh! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure, but why bother, she isn't being polite by chewing like a heifer. Just tell her, if you are friends, you won't offend her. If you do, tell her to grow up!
2007-04-18 15:15:56 · answer #8 · answered by shawna 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing rude about honesty. Just ask her off hand, when you are not eating, if she chews with her mouth closed. If you do it when you are not eating, she'll probably not notice.
2007-04-18 15:09:51 · answer #9 · answered by Dan F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there is a polite way to tell somebody that, but you can always make it seem like a joke, then maybe she'll think about it.
2007-04-18 15:18:04 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋