On Social Graces or the lack thereof

My dear fellow countrymen,

I have refrained for a very long time on commenting on the state of our social graces. But the day has come when I can no longer hold back the thoughts to myself, and I have struggled yet decided to speak out in my blind faith that words have the power to change.

It plagues me now that every single day, I see all these people around me, oblivious to the finer habits of life through no fault of theirs, as I'd like to think they didn't know better.

I know we are a nation of food-lovers. Hawker food has become one of our national prides, and eating is our favourite past-time.

But no matter what you might think, it is actually slightly less than desirable having to see the contents of your no doubt delicious food swishing in the depths of your mouth, while you're making that cringing noise that sounds like "mm-tch-tch-tch-mmm-tch-tch" - the result of eating with your mouth wide open, and making these sounds of orchestral magnitude to the innocent by-stander, who, if like, me, stands by mortified at the symphony.

See, it might seem like such a ridiculous idea to you, but eating with your mouth open is actually - rather rude.

You might say it is very British to be so particular about one's eating etiquette - yet surely that is but a symptom of a sophisticated society. I find it indeed very curious how good eating habits escapes such an alarmingly huge population of a first-world country like Singapore.

It is. Basic. Manners.

I don't care if you think you're Japanese and slurping your soup is cool.
It is not.

When you eat, your lips should remain closed, and other than perhaps occasional crunching sounds that can't be avoided should you chew on a crunchy leaf, there should be no horrifically loud sounds coming from the region of your mouth - much less adding to them by actually talking while you're embarking on such an important task.

Even some members of my family; some of my very intelligent friends; some of my much respected colleagues - are ignorant of this violation of eating etiquette. It really amazes me.

Do they not know how disgusting their behaviour is?

I was on course most of last week, and had a guy sitting next to me who had the most revolting habit of eating with his mouth open, and making obscene noises - right in front of everyone else!

I kept shooting furtive glances at him, hoping it would be a hint. But it was obvious he didn't even register that it was wrong.

So I ask you, my dear fellow citizens, if you could do your duty and spread this basic courtesy to whoever you meet who chews/eats/talks with their mouth open...

Please tell them to keep. it. shut.

Thank you!