Gum Chewing Coworker??

amother

Firebrick

Tue, Aug 15 2017, 4:08 pm

I work in a small office, no cubicles or anything like that. The lady who sits at the desk behind me has started the most repulsive habit of smacking and licking her gum. It's not just chewing; it's cracking and smacking and noises I don't even think they have names for. It makes my skin crawl- I am in general sensitive to food noises but this is just over the top.

Is there any nice way for me to ask her to stop?? She is SO easily insulted and I don't want to make it uncomfortable but I can't take it anymore!!

amother

Lavender

Tue, Aug 15 2017, 4:23 pm

If she really is very sensitive, I don't see how you can ask her without offending her. Can the boss ask her?

loveit

Tue, Aug 15 2017, 4:32 pm

Ugh no idea but I understand how you feel. I can't stand hearing the sounds of gum chewing, it's so gross!!!

zaq

Tue, Aug 15 2017, 4:43 pm

No, YOU can't say anything. Your boss can outlaw gum chewing on grounds that it's unprofessional.

amother

Floralwhite

Tue, Aug 15 2017, 4:55 pm

Get head phones.
I have a co-worker who every other word is f*** or s*** or both

FaygieofLA

Tue, Aug 15 2017, 5:09 pm

No fun.

I forget where…but R’ Zelig Pliskin has some books on this topic.

It’s a matter of transforming the thought.

I remember he gave the example of a dripping faucet. For someone who finds it annoying, this of it as a soothing drip.

I am oversimplifying it by 100000%, but that type of thing can work.

If it bothers you, it likely bothers others.

A good boss can work with everyone.

Not a perfect answer here…sorry.

amother

Firebrick

Tue, Aug 15 2017, 6:08 pm

zaq wrote:

No, YOU can't say anything. Your boss can outlaw gum chewing on grounds that it's unprofessional.

I can ask, but she'll probably figure out that it came from me. He doesn't usually interfere with things like that (though I often wish he would)

groovy1224

Tue, Aug 15 2017, 6:09 pm

amother wrote:

Get head phones.
I have a co-worker who every other word is f*** or s*** or both

That's horrible. She's the only one that talks like that?

dancingqueen

Tue, Aug 15 2017, 6:28 pm

Headphones. Complaining to your boss will make you sound petty.

amother

Cerise

Tue, Aug 15 2017, 6:35 pm

I can relate.
I used to have a coworker that ate with such horrible manners.
Cereal and milk: crunch crunch smack slurp
And so on.
She also chewed gum as you described.

I am also super sensitive to crunching and chewing and stuff like that. I feel for you. It's nerve grinding.

As others said: headphones if you can.

amother

Denim

Tue, Aug 15 2017, 6:45 pm

I would say something- if you can say it kindly. I'm good at awkward so I'd be fine with it. If u cant do it right-dont attempt! Id smile kindly. Give her a compliment with sincerity. Tell her it's a prob I hav and I feel awful mentioning...then I'd tell her it gives me the chills or something...
Like I said u gotta do this right or dont at all!!

33055

Tue, Aug 15 2017, 10:37 pm

I would be extremely apologetic and say that I am sensitive and prone to migraines from the repetitive noises. I would take all the blame.

That being said, I find chewing noises repulsive. I feel really bad for you. I would keep reminding her and apologizing but being firm about it.

amother

Floralwhite

Wed, Aug 16 2017, 12:24 am

groovy1224 wrote:

That's horrible. She's the only one that talks like that?

For every other word? Yes.
I am thankful to Hashem that I have a good job, so no complaints, and I need to remember to wear headphones more often.