As the school year winds down to an end, I think it is the perfect time to reflect on all of the good and the bad that we have each gone through. As such, I would like to take this opportunity to discuss one very important topic that misophoniacs must deal with while sitting in classes, studying in the library, eating with friends, etc. These are things that we all do on a daily basis that can inevitably get on a misophoniac’s last nerves. Now, if you are wondering what a misophoniac even is, let me explain in short: they hate annoying sounds. If you have a loved one who you believe may be a misophoniac, try to avoid doing these following 10 things:
1. Writing on a squeaky desk.
If you find that you are writing on a desk that happens to result in a squeaky or clangy sound, please move and find another desk. I can assure you that there is someone in that lecture hall — near or far — who is withering inside.
2. Writing with a squeaky or scratchy pencil.
It is exam time, and you have a pencil that results in squeaky or scratchy sounds. Let me remind you once more: there is someone in that lecture hall who is trying really hard to focus on which product will result from that reaction they have been staring at for more than three minutes. So the fact that your pencil is squeaking nonstop is not helping the cause.
3. Pen clicking.
You know when you get a little nervous or perhaps restless in class or during an exam? So you start to mindlessly click your ball-point pen? Well, if you are even remotely considerate, please stop doing that. You would not believe how unbelievably annoying that sound is.
4. Walking with wet shoes.
Maybe it is pouring outside and your shoes and sneakers, along with the rest of you, are inevitably wet. But then you enter a building and continue walking on your dandy way as your soaked shoes continuously make what I call the "squeegee" sound. It is one of the worst things in the world. So the next time you enter a building after walking out in the rain, please take a second to wipe your feet on the rugs by the entrance.
5. Nail-biting.
We all have our bad habits; some have more than others. Nail-biting is one that even the best of us find ourselves doing. If you are a nail-biter, please find it in you to do so quietly without making those horrid cutting sounds, where I can hear you ripping off the enamel from the tips of your fingers. Eat a Nature Valley granola bar instead.
6. Eating your chips loudly.
I understand that chips are made for crunching, but really, must you eat them so loudly? First of all, taking the chips out of that crinkly bag is irritating enough, and then you go as far as to loudly confetti the chips. If you are wondering how you could possibly eat those chips at a more appropriate volume — start by chewing them at a slower pace.
7. Chewing and chapping.
Now this may sound extreme, but the point I want to make is, food can be eaten without chewing it loudly, or with your mouth open (which is how the chapping sound happens). First of all, it is disgusting if I can see what you are eating in your mouth. Just stop. Second, I do not need to hear what is going on inside your chomper.
8. Slurping noodles.
While we are on the subject of eating food loudly, slurping noodles will send shivers down any misophoniac's spine. It is just uncalled for.
9. Popping your bubble gum.
There is always that one person at the library or somewhere in your vicinity who just has to blow and then pop their bubbles. Yes, that was fun when we were in elementary school, but now it is just rude to do in public.
10. Speaking loudly in public.
I know, you just really need to rant to your friends about how you cannot believe that guy did that thing that he did. Or you cannot believe how incredibly difficult that exam was. Now, in light of you sharing your opinions, bear in mind that in a public setting there are other people who may be trying to work or listen to the conversations they are in. Let us all be respectful and speak to one another in nice, appropriate volumes.
