Help, I share an office with a noisy eater

[Michael_UK]

I'm a grad student and share an office with a Taiwanese guy. He's really friendly and great in so many ways, ..... but there's a problem.

He is such a loud eater. Every lunchtime, he gets out his food and the noise is horrendous. The more I think about it, the worse it becomes. We sit right opposite each other, and I have to wear headphones during his eating session. It's exacerbated by the fact he's a body builder and has to eat quite a lot.

I don't like to say anything, perhaps because it may be a cultural thing. (He belches a lot as well).

What can I do?

[GCP]

1. Leave when the food comes out

He's going to take offense if you say anything - it's a cultural thing, I believe, and he won't appreciate your input.
The headphones is also a good idea.

[Spinzonner]

2. Put up a sign

DOesn't have to mention him, just specify a set of rules for anyone in the area :-)

What, you expect him to change a life-long habit by mental telepathy ? Say something or live with it.

[SoCalDem]

3. Don't eat at your desk.. It's not good for you anyway

You need to get out ouf the workplace.. take a walk with your lunch and find a shady spot somewhere or even in your car if necessary..

[bufffbison]

6. i second that....

the last job i had things weren't going good, and because of it i couldn't stand my coworkers. in order to avoid them as much as possible, i took my breaks in my car. popped in an ozzy cd, turned that bitch up, and ate my lunch. i'd always forget about work when i did that.

[SheepyMcSheepster]

4. agg, one of my pet peeves

i just can't stand it.
some people can tune stuff out.
i can only focus on it.
i feel for you.

:popcorn: :beer:

[MemphisTiger]

5. A taiwanese bodybuilder? That's not something you hear everyday

I would poliely ask him to not eat at his desk because it distracts you from your work. He may belch because he eats too fast. I had a chinese professor who would inhale his food before a 4:30 class and he pretty much belched his lecture, which made a difficult subject even more difficult.

[youthere]

7. It's a cultural thing...

really. Keep those headphones close, or plan to take a walk. He's probably put off by the fact you DON'T make a lost of noise when you eat.

[Michael_UK]

8. Thanks for all your advice

It's helped me destress a bit - I think going for a walk is probably the best tip (but it won't stop the mid-afternoon belching)

[BigMcLargehuge]

9. Hell, I share a marriage with a noisy eater

listening to Mrs. McLargehuge eat cold cereal, soup, or potato chips is agonizing...