How do I gently tell a friend they have horrible table manners?

Question

This friend and I eat out together fairly often. I doubt she is aware of it, but she chews really loudly and seems to shovel food in her mouth, even in nice restaurants. She is also pretty sensitive, so how do I tell her? Or, just butt out and let her eat however she wants?

Answer 1

You could try to raise her awareness by bringing up the always-fun subject of bad first dates and then telling her a story about how one time you had to break up with a guy or ditch out on a first date because of your date's hideous manners.

If that doesn't work, I'd try letting her know in a completely friendly, non-threatening way - a joking, cute way. That would be the gentlest.

Answer 2

"Stop eating like a pig, you disgusting slob"

"Aw,  why are you looking at me like that? I'm just telling you the truth you loud-chewing, seemingly-starving savage"

After this conversation, I'm sure she will change :)

Answer 3

You just need to face her about this; it doesn't matter that she is already sensitive.

Tell her she has bad manners that she should fix; she should understand that you're trying to help.

If she doesn't, then don't eat out with her.

Answer 4

Butt out.

Answer 5

Leave her alone.  George Bush has terrible table manners.  America has just undergone about 20 years of class lowering that has gone unchecked.  Look at commercials, how people eat, putting their hands in food, things like that.  If it effects your wanting to be with your friend, there is no easy way you just have to come out and say and then try to teach her better.

Answer 6

try giggling at her and tell her to stop in a silly sort of tone, rather than getting mad at her or something.

Answer 7

say something like - good grief, are you starving? you're shovelling it in there! - obviously in a jokey manner.

Answer 8

if you are good friends and this is bothering you,then you should discuss it.  you could say "you probably don't realize this, but when you eat you chew pretty loudly and sometimes you eat really fast"  Tell her you want to know too if you have any habits that bother her...

Answer 9

tell her to quit piggin' out!

Answer 10

You start chewing your food really loudly etc....she might become more aware and self conscious of her habits.

If that doesn't work...bring up nonchalantly in a conversation PET PEEVES...so everyone is involved...that way you can express it to her w/o directing it towards her.

If that doesn't work. Write her a note as to not say it out loud and publicly bring her down.