Dear Eric: I play cards weekly with a group. One of the women sometimes chews gum during our games, noisily and with her mouth open. This is worse than fingernails on a chalkboard to me. Why do otherwise well-mannered people think open-mouth chewing is socially acceptable? What do you suggest, do I say something to her?

– Quiet Please

Dear Quiet Please: Absolutely. She may not realize she’s doing it. So, by telling her that the noisiness bothers you, you give her the opportunity to make a change. Many people don’t like noisy chewing. Some people have misophonia, a disorder of decreased tolerance to specific sounds; others simply can’t stand the sound. The card game is a weekly shared social space, so ask for what you need to continue to enjoy the time.

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