I Can’t Eat With You Because I’ll Punch You in the Face

Family dinners can be quite the minefield. So one San Diego man has avoided them at all costs over the last four years.

But it’s not because of politics or a long-standing feud with members. Derrol Murphy suffers from misophonia, which causes him to be triggered by certain kinds of noises. In this case, it’s the sound of chewing.

“I thought I was crazy for many years. Little noises would make me just fly into a rage,” admits the 41-year-old, noting that crinkling plastic bags and clicking pens also anger him.

The rare mental disorder has been a tough challenge for Murphy when it comes to meeting new people too, adding, “I’ve had to walk out on dates if they are chewing really loudly, my face gives it away – I pull a look of disgust I can’t hide.”