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Original poster

Guest keeps asking me questions when I'm eating...

154 replies

MucozadeOnLucozade · 26/05/2023 07:38

My friend is due to stay with us again and as lovely as she is, she has this annoying habit of firing 101 questions at the dining table when we're eating. After the work of cooking the meal and generally just tired at that point of the day I find it all too much trying to juggle chewing and answering questions. I end up swallowing food that's not been chewed well and eating mouth full or swallowing loads of gas.

Last night I ended up with the most painful indigestion!

How can I tell my guest to just calm it down with the questions at meantime. It's like quickfire and it's obvious she's not remembering what she's asked as she repeats questions.

I just want to eat and enjoy food without the interogation!!

OP posts:
LiquoriceAllsorts2 · 26/05/2023 07:42

conversation is quite normal during a meal, just try find a way to slow it down a bit.

Theunamedcat · 26/05/2023 07:42

Chew your food she can wait

MrsSkylerWhite · 26/05/2023 07:43

Most people talk over dinner.

suburbophobe · 26/05/2023 07:43

Post her to the nearest Airbnb.

IfYouDontAsk · 26/05/2023 07:43

Can you ask her open ended questions right before you take a mouthful of food?

FrenchandSaunders · 26/05/2023 07:43

Do you want silence at meal times?

Ispywithmycynicaleye · 26/05/2023 07:45

Indicate that you're still eating, then continue to chew very slowly, swallow, take a sip of wine, a nice deep sigh then answer. Do this every time. I'm sure eventually she will get the message. Or do what my older DC do and open your phone and stick your earphones in and enjoy your dinner in peace. Always works for them! Grin

Aprilx · 26/05/2023 07:45

It is normal to make conversation over dinner. You reply between mouthfuls like everybody else manages.

SilverPeacock · 26/05/2023 07:45

Just take time and finish chewing your mouthful of food before you answer? Make it obvious this is what you are doing. You don’t need to rush to answer her and can say sorry if I don’t answer right away but I’m prone to get bad indigestion if I don’t take time chewing my food

MargotDeWitt · 26/05/2023 07:46

Perhaps she is nervous and feels conversation over dinner is expected? But if she asks you something and you have a mouthful, just nod and gesture that you are chewing, take your time and answer when you're ready.

LubaLuca · 26/05/2023 07:46

"Hang on." You're allowed to make someone wait while you chew your food, I can't believe you didn't realise that and bolted everything down to keep the conversation at a fast pace! There's being accommodating, and then there's being selfless to the point it becomes an affliction.

RampantIvy · 26/05/2023 07:48

I'm with everyone else. I finish chewing then I reply. It isn't difficult.

Upsizer · 26/05/2023 07:52

Eat in front of a film maybe?

I agree she sounds pretty normal in my house!

GoodVibesHere · 26/05/2023 07:52

Could you turn it around, ask her a few questions so that you get chance to eat while she talks?

Iwrotethissong · 26/05/2023 07:53

Do you usually eat dinner in complete silence?

CuriouslyDifferent · 26/05/2023 07:57

take Smaller mouthfuls.

make her wait.

I also use background noise, such as a comedy program or music.

people usually fill gaps of silence, don’t give them any.

JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon · 26/05/2023 07:58

Just finish chewing before you answer. She can wait, it is normal

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 26/05/2023 07:59

It's perfectly normal to talk while you're eating dinner.

Just wait until you've finished your mouthful before you answer.

georgarina · 26/05/2023 08:00

Conversation over dinner isn't weird and definitely not something that should put you in loads of pain due to trying to talk and swallow...it's quite natural to make conversation when you're a guest in someone's home. Don't have her as a guest anymore if it doesn't suit you but you can't tell her not to talk during dinner.

Treecreature · 26/05/2023 08:02

Oh you are my people!! I love to eat in silence, I want to enjoy my food! I dont want to talk to somebody while it gets cold. Yeah, I'm a grump.

Original poster
MucozadeOnLucozade · 26/05/2023 08:03

I don't mind occasional conversation and questions but it's like quick fire and if you don't reply immediately she keep asking and it feels like I am not a good guest to keep her waiting for the answer.

OP posts:
Okshacky · 26/05/2023 08:03

I agree with pp, take smaller mouthfuls

magicstar1 · 26/05/2023 08:04

Just quote Homer Simpson to her “Can’t talk! Eating.”

Fraaahnces · 26/05/2023 08:05

Put your hand up in a stopping motion, make grimacing faces while you’re chewing and swallowing, gulp down some water and say “Easy Tiger… I’m trying to eat here. What’s with the interrogations?”

Allschoolsareartschools · 26/05/2023 08:06

I can cope with chat but I don't like it when I'm asked major questions while I'm eating as I want to enjoy my meal. My lovely friend eats faster than me (so do most people to be fair...) & as soon as she's finished she'll ask me something that requires major thought & long answers! I'd never say but I'd rather finish my food first then talk!