Just. Stop. Doing that!
I wrote about dealing with annoying habits the other week in the column, but I neglected to mention it here. Then, someone in the office reminded me of my biggest pet peeve:I hate the sound of someone eating. Smacking, chomping, slurping, sipping, I hate it all. It just gets under my skin and gets louder and louder until I want to take the food from the offender and keep it away from them for all eternity.
Sigh.
I feel better now.
It nearly broke apart our happy apartment, back when Boyfriend and I were just roommates. He used to smack his lips when eating ice cream. However, after a few sharp looks, he calmed it down for the sake of good roommate relations.
What's your pet peeve?
(Photo from coolchrisc at stock.xchng)
Comments
OMG I laughed so hard when I read this! I am terrible about this kind of stuff because I am so easily annoyed by noises. I once broke up with a guy because he scraped his teeth with his fork as he ate. I just didn't see a future for us.
I am annoyed by loud gum chewing, excessive finger tapping (especially tapping made with fingernails. it's just not right!) whistling, coffee slurping and random noises that people make just to fill the silence. What's wrong with silence?!?!
I realize, tho, that my list of annoyances is excessive, so I just have to deal with it, and pick my battles. I'm the one with the problem, right, and I know I can't expect people to be quiet just because I want them to.
Maybe I need to have permanent earplugs installed?
Posted by: aeb | March 14, 2008 5:41 PM
Ohh, I hate loud gum chewing too. And POPPING of gum! I wanna snatch anyone up who does that, whether you're 5 or 50.
I try to keep those pet peeves under control though. I actually thought I was doing good with the smacking until Boyfriend mentioned it offhandedly. I think he said something like he didn't want to die from one of my looks. :)
Posted by: maryann | March 14, 2008 5:50 PM
Maryann, sometimes I think we are long-lost relatives! I too, have a look of death that I seem to give without ever knowing it! :)
Sometimes, tho, the noisemakers are un-phased.
I want to invent a noise bubble helmet, that I can wear, that will shield me from noise. It'd' have to be cute tho. :)
Posted by: aeb | March 14, 2008 5:57 PM
My gf has the need to call her mom or sister or cousin or whoever but that isnt the problem. the problem is when i am watching the one tv show i enjoy, and she picks up the phone and has a 20 min conversation in my ear.
I try the death eye look and it doenst work, i guess i need to be taught it, but it drives me nuts (i would, naturally, leave the room to not annoy her)
Posted by: Jason | March 14, 2008 6:40 PM
I had a bf that talked - ALL OF THE TIME - like during Nip/Tuck - which, of course, is grounds to be broken up with IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not only did he talk all of the time, he whined about EVERYTHING!!!!!!! He said it was "complaining" but I know the difference - it was whining!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Susan K | March 15, 2008 9:19 PM
Jason, I think the death eye is something that only comes naturally. It can't be taught. The pout, however -- that is a skill that can be perfected. :)
Susan K, you make me laugh. S.O.s, people you're dating, whoever, definitely have to have an awareness of quiet times, whether it's during Nip/Tuck or your reading time.
Posted by: Maryann | March 16, 2008 11:58 PM
Trying to keep me on the phone. If I say "I'll call you back..let me talk to you later" or anything similar and it's a problem I'll be looking at the front door.
Posted by: Amadeo | March 17, 2008 11:31 AM
I am with you on the chewing thing. I can't stand it. It's like nails against a chalkboard for me!
Posted by: Cat | March 18, 2008 10:34 AM
Nail-biting. That's a HUGE one for me.
Posted by: Jenice | March 19, 2008 10:57 PM