AIBU to ask someone to stop sniffing

[PhoneyToney]

I was on a tour of a local attraction and one of the guides was sniffing every 10 seconds or so.

I was brought up to consider sniffing as rude and wasn't allowed to do it around my parents.

I found the sniffing to be unpleasant and distracting. I tried to ignore it but couldn't and after 10 minutes or so with no end in sight I asked them to stop. They said they had a medical condition ( I don't remember what ). I didn't say anything further - I didn't know what to say. They reduced the frequency and left soon afterwards.

Was the sniffer BU? WIBU to ask them to stop? What if they just had a cold? What if they had been farting or had tourettes?

Oh God I hate people constantly sniffing. Drives me bonkers. I'm the same with the noise of ppl eating. I know its probably my issue.. but God its revolting

This^^

How fortunate for all you bitching about sniffers to live in a world where you or your loved ones suffer no neurological conditions

How ironic that posters are deriding posters who say they can't bear the sound of sniffing; misophonia is a neurological condition. I am totally unable to block out a repetitive sound like sniffing. I can't ignore it; the more I try the more I can hear it. It doesn't so much annoy me as trigger a massive download of adrenalin. It's like a red mist. My palms sweat, my heart beats faster, I feel panicky and hot. It isn't a "normal" reaction but it is one that is triggered by noise.

I found myself sitting near a sniffer in a 90 minute accountancy exam. How I managed to pass I don't know because all I could concentrate on was the sniffing. On edge waiting for the next sniff. Wondering what I could do to make it stop. Debating whether to call the invigilator over and ask them to tell her to stop. It was really bad.

I am now taking a ton of medication that is keeping the misophonia to a dull murmur. But if we have to consider that the sniffer can't help it, people should also appreciate that some of the people hearing it can't help their reaction either. Tolerance goes both ways.

Just as some kids cough at school without covering their mouth or pick their noses in class, some kids sniff because their parents haven't sent them with tissues or a hanky.
Teachers tell them off for this and explain what they should do. Some teachers keep tissues on their desk for kids to use.
As they get older most learn it's not polite to sniff, pick or cough without covering your mouth.

Some don't, and grow into adults who do some or all of these in public.
It's not always a 'diagnosable' problem causing such behaviour - it's just not being taught good manners or not accepting good manners are essential. (hence why some people spit on the street, talk with food in their mouths or stick chewing gum in places other than bins).
Yes, some people have medical issues and phobias about other people's medical issues - but the majority of people do not suffer from these.

@AliceRR I go always have tissues, nasal spray etc. Medicines don't always work, wiping with a tissue can be sore, and there are times I just can't use one frequently, like driving.

Have my first

@WeaselsRising

What do you take to help your misophonia? Is it beta blockers or something else too?

there are times I just can't use one frequently, like driving.

Well if you’re driving then you’re probably in your own car and that’s your business but if I’m public transport, for example, then I think one should have some consideration for others. I realise it might not always be possible but I believe for the most part it would be possible to wipe or blow one’s nose 🤷🏻‍♀️

But then that’s not the issue is it? Many of us think it’s annoying to listen to someone sniffing, many others think there’s a good reason to do it, but I’m still not sure if and someone to stop sniffing.

StoneofDestiny
I completely agree with you.

Sorry I meant to say I’m still not sure I’d tell someone to stop sniffing

@CripsSandwiches combination of citalopram and Elvanse (a Lisdexamfetamine)