I Probably Hate You....

....but don't take it personally.

Seriously, I'm about to get real with you. In order for you to conclude if part of Chelsey hates you, ask yourself these questions.

1. Have you ever enjoyed a meal with me?

2. Have you and I ever been at any function where food was provided? (Snacks, candy, etc.)

3. Do you chew with your mouth open?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, the answer is yes. I hate you. 

But don't leave yet, IT'S NOT ON PURPOSE, I PROMISE. I really don't hate you. However, you may have put me into a rage or given me extreme anxiety. I have a condition called misophonia. Basically, I cannot tolerate when I can hear people chewing. It oftentimes can extend to include, the clanking of silverware against your teeth, biting popsicles, and grinding of teeth. {These are the biggest ones that send me into angry and dark places.} 

Yes, I am aware that I do most of these things myself. They are natural, human things, yet I can hardly tolerate hearing myself doing them, let alone others. 

I used to kick my siblings under the dinner table when they would do it. I have yelled at my darling husband many times for doing it. And yesterday I almost went ape-sh!t on a client for doing it. To these poor people I would like to extend my sincerest apologies, but although my mother taught me that "by saying sorry means you'll never do it again" I can honestly tell you, I will do it again. I will try not to, but it will happen.

From what I learned through recent research: The first documented case of misophonia was in 1997. Before that, doctors just classified it as a fear of sound. {Which it isn't, I love sounds, I just can't stand to hear certain sounds.} Researchers believe that misophonia is genetically linked, it is easier to become present in people who also have traces of OCD and ADD/ADHD either in them or in their families. There isn't a certain time when misophonia starts, however it generally develops in late childhood/early adolescent years. There are currently no known "cures" for misophonia. 

As much as I would love to chomp on Otter Pops with the rest of you, I don't believe that day will ever come. 

Do any of you suffer from something crazy? It might just be real! You never know! Let me know if you are in the same boat as me, I'd love to connect with people who suffer the same!