Hi,

I am sitting close to someone who chews their food/chewing gum so loudly that I can hear it all the time. It is extremely irritating and I want them to stop doing it but I don't know how to tell them in an way that will not offend them. Their loud chewing is certainly offending me, though! What do I do?

eponine

I think if you look someone right in the eye while they're doing it, and don't look away- almost like you're puzzled by the noise you're hearing, it gives them perspective that they're not alone in the room. Maybe it doesn't take words, but a glance that makes someone aware of their surroundings. If that doesn't work, I see nothing wrong with coming right out with it: "Do you hear yourself?"; "What are you a freakin' cow?"; "Are you seriously chewing like that right now?" ( Just a few ways you can sort of jokingly confront the situation.) Why should we tiptoe around inconsiderate people? Speak up!

Jesushelper76

Or just not sit close to this person.

l342333

I have the same problem. I share a cubicle (it's like a 'double-wide') with this person who makes CONSTANT mouth noises. And she's such a sweet person that I can't imagine ever saying something mean. Plus, we share a freakin' cube - I'd rather not create an awkward situation. But then again, why should I be the only one to suffer. And I'm not the one with the annoying habit! Technically I'm not the only one because another co-worker joins me in misery - but he's 10 feet away, not 4!

Ice crunching. That's the culprit. It's not so much the crunching, but the sound of the ice sloshing in her large plastic cup as it falls into her mouth, where multiple cubes are consumed with a gasping, slurping noise, then the cup plops down loudly, and THEN the crunching, always with an open mouth for the last few crunches, followed by an icky sucking noise. This starts over again immediately after the last cube is swallowed. Why even put the cup down? We could reduce noise by 15%. AND IT'S A REALLY BIG CUP TOO...THAT GETS REFILLED AT LEAST 3X A DAY.

Seriously though, what are we supposed to do? Surely Miss Manners has a position on this.

dflak

What is wrong with being honest and tactful. In 1342333's case it may be easier as the person is a "sweet person."

Take the person aside so you can discuss the issue in private. Try saying something like, "Jane, I really like working with you, however, when you chew on ice, it affects me and my ability to concentrate on my work."

Make sure the emphasis is on the action, not the preson. Notice that the above statement doesn't accuse the person of being bad or having some sort of character fault. It's the ice chewing, not the person you don't like. Nor does it make an outright demand such as "stop chewing ice!" The person should be smart enough to figure out what to do.

Cut the person some slack. Most people aren't jerks and want to be liked by their co-workers. Most likely they don't know that they are doing something offensive. If they are mature people, they will appreaciate being told.

It's tough being on both sides of this conversation, but it is essentially saying, "I trust you enough to tell you this." If you finish with a "thank you" and a smile, then you've made the relationship stronger.

You may get an answer like, "Well, I don't like it when you yodel!" Your response to this should be an, "OK, I won't do that anymore."

And if the person chooses to take offense, you will have to live with the fact that if you were open and honest and respectful, then their offense is their probelm.

ppd

OH my I feel for you, I sit next to someone who gets angry every other phone call for some reason or another, and she either slams the keyboard, mouse or phone around! I wish the boss would say something to her, because that is company property she is banging around! But I'm there with ya, for the 'annoyed'...we are not alone!

gazelleintense

can you get an ipod? listen to it. problem solved.

ipod shuffle is great, $79. I love mine

daveuk

Hello,i thought it was just me and i,ve been beating myself up over feeling like this for years convinced it was my problem.I am very easy going but chewing loudly sends me loopy and although i hide it well i do feel very aggresive.I have worked with someone for 17 years yet feel unable to mention this for fear of upsetting him.Thanks for the posting,i,m glad its not just me,cheers dave.

nicespringgirl

Check your employee handbook of ur company, in some companies, it is NOT ALLOWED to chew gums. If u find this line then give him/her a friendly advice, she/he might be appreicated u tell her/him.

statictable

Did you know that gum chewing causes an increase in the production of air biscuits.