AITA for leaving meal times with family early because I can’t stand them chewing food with their mouths open?

A person on Reddit is having a hard time with table manners at their house because their parents smack their food loudly. They’ve been getting up from the table early to avoid a fight, but their family is catching on. Find out how they deal with this awkward situation in the story below.

‘ AITA for leaving meal times with family early because I can’t stand them chewing food with their mouths open?’

I’m unsure whether I’m just more sensitive lately or if I’m worried about upsetting my parents by asking them to chew with their mouths shut. I used to be able to ignore it when we ate together, but it’s become increasingly hard to miss.

I used to rush through dinner, quickly clean up, say goodnight, and then continue with my evening. They are now becoming aware of this and questioning my rapid eating pace. I’ve been delaying the unavoidable by providing flimsy explanations (such as, I need to complete some readings for tomorrow).

My folks are typically relaxed; however, they hold conventional beliefs on numerous subjects. I’m uncertain if requesting they keep their mouths shut while eating would be impolite, but I’m extremely concerned it would irritate them.

I’d be a complete jerk if I keep making up excuses for my quick eating habits. However, I’m also scared of damaging my relationship because of my own pet peeves that don’t seem to affect them. Am I the one in the wrong? Or should I just find the strength to fix this?

Here’s what Redditors had to say:

holeeroller −  You may have misophonia. My wife of 35 years does and she’s learned to live with it but sometimes she just has to leave the room.. NTA

RunWombat −  Peoples, we’re not goats.. Close your mouth when eating.

IndependentAd2419 −  Start off, “I hate to hurt your feelings, I know it is my problem, you have asked me why i eat so fast, perhaps it even seems silly to ask, but how about some consideration of not open mouth chewing….cannot help it…makes me feel ill.”

OliveMammoth6696 −  NTA. We’re taught manners at a very young age. Eating with your mouth closed is one of them.

InValuAbled −  There are headphones and Loop or Aura ear plugs that tune out specifically the sounds irritating to the more sensitive individuals. Maybe they can work for you.. NTA. You can’t help it.

Moto_Hiker −  NTA. Cultural issue? I’d straight up tell them why I’m opting out.

Life-is-Foo −  Nta. I think of you approach it as respectful with the goal of wanting to spend more time with them at dinner, they may be initially defensive, but if they’re reasonable they will understand.

I typically enjoy hearing people eat, such as on culinary and travel programs, finding the sound of crunching and individuals savoring food pleasing. However, when my husband’s friend came to live with us, we learned that his eating is incredibly noisy and moist! I was able to disregard it for a period,

During the previous year, it has gotten to the point where I have to sit apart from him or turn up the music/TV because his chewing sounds make me want to yell. Fortunately, I only have to put up with this for a few more months.

FairyFartDaydreams −  NTA sounds like you have Misophonia and certain noises drive you to distraction

azewonder −  NTA. For one, it’s rude and sounds disgusting. Two, I know firsthand how that misophonia can hit and make you feel like duct-taping someone’s mouth shut. I’d say something like “I know that this is a me issue and not a you issue, but could you please close your mouth when chewing?

This is the reason I’ve been leaving the dinner table early. I should have brought it up and been straightforward before now but I wasn’t sure how to approach it.” I completely get it though; my kid chews with his mouth open. I’ve tried to talk to him a few times, he’s oblivious to it and swears he’s not chewing openly. Unless we’re sitting in a loud restaurant, I have to go to another room when he’s eating.

hereforthedrama57 −  NTA. That is both gross and poor table manners. My mom would have kicked us out of the dinner table.

Should the Redditor address their parents regarding their eating behaviors, or should they overlook it to maintain peace? What would be your approach when dealing with a minor yet ongoing annoyance within a family dynamic? Share your insights and recommendations in the comment section below!