I have a horrible pet peeve. I cannot stand the sound of people eating. I especially hate avoidable eating sounds caused by chewing with mouth open, lip smacking or slurping. I dont even know what is so irritating about it, but once I notice it, I can't stop thinking about it until it stops or I go away.
I only started having this problem when I moved out of my parents' house (5 years ago). I live with one of my best friends but I simply can't be around him when he eats. It is so bad I almost hate him in the moment. I also had a similar problem with my now ex-girlfriend. It makes me feel crazy.
Indeed, I know the problem is with me and not anyone else. But even though I can admit that, I have times when I justify it, I think that in my house we knew basic table manners and ate quiety, that in Spain people have enough respect to eat properly infront eachother, etc etc. All excuses that make my peeve the fault of those around me/the society I live in now.
So I've tried thinking differently about it, I've tried NOT thinking about it (heh), I've tried becoming a noisy eater myself (seems impossible). I need a new approach to getting over this stupid peeve. And you guys seem to be really good at coming up with new and intelligent solutions.
