Anyone who knows me very well knows I can't stand people who chomp their gum or otherwise create a lot of drama while chewing.
Some people close to me have told me I need to let it go, but I must say I broke out a huge smile this week when listening to a "Soundcheck" podcast about a disorder called Misophonia that's, you guessed it, a formal recognition that over-the-top chomping is a public health threat.
I kid -- kinda. I think it's somewhat silly to formalize what I consider a personal quirk. Then again, I think I have my "problem" under control, so others who go off the deep end may indeed need professional help.
What's comforting is I know I'm not alone, as this follow-up "Soundcheck" segment attests (you can listen to the first show above and the listener comments below).