Sudden irritation with DH - will it pass?

[porolli]

This seems a bit silly! I've been with DH for 18 years, we have 3dc and a good marriage. But for the last 6 months or so I've become overwhelmingly irritated by how he eats and drinks. He's very noisy, slurpy, smacks his lips etc and I've honestly got to the point where I find it difficult to eat a meal with him as I find it so grating. I think maybe I just didn't notice before. He doesn't eat with his mouth full or anything obvious that I could bring up, it just seems to be him. He's a lovely man and I don't know where to go with this. I suppose I'm hoping my irritation with it will abate as it seems to be me that's changed, not him. Anyone had something very annoying that they've managed to overcome?

Sounds like the first stages of the slippery slope to disdain.
From personal experience I don't think there is a way back. I eventually got to the point where I literally bristled every time my DH entered the room. I couldn't stand it when he came home for lunch.

Is it just how he eats and drinks that bothers you, OP? Apart from this one thing, do you get on well, enjoy spending time together and look forward to seeing him when you're apart?

Yes by and large it is, so I sincerely hope it's not a slippery slope to disdain. We don't have a perfect relationship but I love him and like spending time with him (although that happens less frequently than is probably healthy, just with like, works, kids etc)