Due to pandemic our meet ups with PIL have been outdoors with no meals involved. New Years Day we went to their house and I've been reminded of the horror of FIL's eating.
The noise is ridiculous. The loudest smacking and chomping noises with mouth open. Wouldn't be surprised if neighbours could hear. MIL clearly oblivious. DH agrees it's awful and when I caught his eye during dinner he made a face and mouthed "I know".
If we were at our house I'd pop music on to try to drown it out. At theirs' they don't have a music player in dining room and I can hardly put on my iTunes. He's always been like this but yesterday was the worst ever.
Obviously I can't say anything - this is him. He's an adult.
There's other minor issues - they are super tight with drinks - I get one drink in a 5 hour visit then just have to get water (they keep wine on floor between them and only fill up their glasses), and MIL's food hygiene is appalling (think cooked chicken sat on side for 4 hours then being offered sandwiches - obvs we decline) - how are they not ill??? I can cope with all these, but the eating!!
I get stressed by noisy eaters (misophobia?) and have married into a family where FiL must win prize for world's noisiest eater.
Nothing I can do is there? Just would like to hear there are others in this situation as I feel miserable at thought of going there again but it's unavoidable as can't make excuses forever to dodge their house.