Why don't people cover their mouth when they yawn?

Question

It's so weird. You turn around and there's a person with their mouth gaped open, looking like their trying to catch flies, but they're yawning. It seems like I'm the only one who covers their mouth when they yawn... so, am I the weird one, or are people getting careless? (I know careless isn't the word, but I'm too tired to think of another word)

I know some people don't know the yawn is coming, but they'll be yawning for a minute and no sign of even attempting to cover their mouth... and I understand if your hands are full, but I'm talking about people who are sitting at desks... listening to the teacher, not even writing anything... just yawning..

I don't mind people yawning, I just want them to be polite about it! I didn't think I was ranting about it to the point that someone would think I'd actually need professional help about it! It ticks me off, but I don't spaz if someone doesn't cover their mouth. It just bugs me.

Answer 1

No. You're not the only one. I cover my mouth when I yawn or sneeze. Some people either don't care about doing this or they weren't taught to do it, so they don't.

Answer 2

Lol. I try to cover my mouth anytime I yawn. Today however, one caught me by surprise and I had my mouth wide open before I reached out to cover the view.

I don't think you're weird. A lot of cultures find it disrespectful to show one's open mouth. Asides from that, it seems really unhigenic to leave your mouth open and uncovered,

Answer 3

I always cover my mouth when I yawn, but I almost never see anyone else do this. To me, they look like a bunch of screaming baboons. What's especially bad is if you're in close proximity to that person, when they exhale/finish yawning, you can smell their nasty breath. YUCK.

Answer 4

I cover my mouth the majority of the time. Not always though, like if my hands are full etc.

I think everyone should when they're talking to someone etc, out of politeness but if they're just sat on their own they don't really need to, unless its just a natural reaction.

Answer 5

I cover my mouth in public because I don't want anybody to see me yawn it looks so ugly. lol I don't care about home though I can look like some trash there. haha

Answer 6

maybe they were not taught about some etiquettes during yawning...maybe they got nice teeth..But to see a person yawns without covering their mouth are like tigers...hungry..
not a good gestures to see without covering their mouths..right?Need to know how to keep themselves from embarrassments..

Answer 7

I know what you mean. I wish they would. I don't want to see the inside of their mouth. The word, that comes to mind for folks, who don't cover their mouths when they yawn, no manners.

Answer 8

some were taught to cover some were not and sometime you are tired and not thinking . if you yawn in front of someone then you started it as it is "catchy" but why does it bother you as yawing is a natural bodily function as is breathing, blinking,urinating and so forth. if it really bothers you , you need to seek professional help. i have the need to yawn now that you brought the subject to me

Answer 9

I cover my mouth when I yawn.
I have no idea why other people don't. Perhaps they just have better breath than I do?

Answer 10

They do it to get people to stop looking at them. People that yawn get tired of people looking at them no matter if they put their hand in front of their mouth or not.