In most cases I restrain myself from passing a judgement on obsessive eaters.
In recent weeks though, I have become severely agitated when I go to my classroom which has a sign right on the door reading "NO FOOD OR DRINK" and people insist on bringing their dinner or their snacks in and eating them in front of everyone while people are trying to do their work and socializing while they eat. The classroom should not be treated like their living room.
They almost seem to be testing their limits. The teacher lets them get away with it and the school has ignored the complaint I sent to them.
I find the sound of them chewing their food revolting, offensive and distracting. Sometimes the sound of the food sloshing inside their mouths gives me chills down my spine.
The cafeteria is just right in walking distance, a place where if I see them eating, I refrain from evaluating them.
They also have option to take their food outside, a place where I can easily mind my own business.
Not only do people insist on bringing food into class but also continue to eat for extended periods of time. They go get more food after they finish what they have.
Unless it's a small class with a mutual agreement about food, eating in front of people is disgusting and disrespectful.
I think it's petty to worry about what someone else is doing in class. Who cares if they're eating? How does that have any affect on anyone else? We're all adults and busy and trying to do multiple things at once to try and fit it all into one schedule. I see nothing wrong with it and could care less what anyone else is doing so long as it's not loud and distracting. But eating? Just as noisy as someone taking notes. Are they just eating or making a bunch of noise? Are they just taking notes or clicking their pen over and over until you want to smash their pen into a million pieces? I would argue that it's not the activity but how it's gone about.
I wish I could give this post 1,000 likes! Part of being a mature adult is knowing
I usually eat before I come to class, or go after, but if I do happen to be eating during class, I do it quietly. However, here's some food for thought: I'm not gonna sit there during a 3+ hour lecture class and ignore my stomach constantly growling just because it might bother some overly sensitive person. If I'm ravenous, I won't be able to pay attention to the lecture as well, and I'm not gonna compromise a chance to soak in testable material just to appease someone with a holier-than-thou attitude.
I could understand the anger expressed in the OP if it were about people talking on the phone in class (it happens) or constantly interrupting the teacher, but eating? Really? We are human. We have to eat. Unless there's something you're not telling us?
And? Why does it matter if they go get another snack other than the noise bothers you. Maybe they are still hungry. And someone who is diabetic or hypoglycemic has every right to eat in class. Why should they have to leave?
I also have hypoglycemia and I do not solve this with junk food. I respect my classmates and the NO FOOD OR DRINK sings so that I leave when I think my blood sugar is out of balance. I'm sorry but they don't have any right to disrupt the class this way.
There are noisy work environments and quiet work environments. Most people find this out when they get out to work. There is the quiet floor and the noisy floor or the quiet, tranquil home or boarding house.
I said eating in class bothers me not that eating at work bothers me.
I'll share. I have an endless supply of popcorn plus some leftover chow. Sound good?
Okay, so treat it like your living room and turn it into a party and an eating fest with no regard for the rest of the class who has work to do and who is not a part of your click and who might be afraid to stand up to you. When you do your reading for class, start out with that sign on the door.
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Are you in school now? Is this a current event?
I think it is rude and I am sure it bothers some more than others. I would speak to the instructor...it is their class and if the choose to not enforce the rules it is their choice.
:eek:
sharpeimom
2,452 Posts
I wish I could give this post 1,000 likes! Part of being a mature adult is knowing
when and how to choose your battles wisely.