Etiquette Plus

This question goes into the category of sensible manners in society because gum chewing is not addressed in etiquette books. For gum chewers, here are the two common sense rules: 1) Chew gum discreetly, preferably alone in your car or in your home. 2) Dispose of it properly. (A good habit is to keep the gum wrapper in your pocket for disposal when finished.) Throughout my lengthy airline career it was a written regulation that gum chewing was not allowed while in uniform. It is perceived as unprofessional, along with chomping on a candy bar or licking an ice cream cone in public. Not all professions may address this under their corporate code of regulations, in which case it is up to the individual to use good judgment. Chewing gum in the office or in church is not a social crime; however, chomping on it and cracking it crosses the professional boundary. Confrontation should be made on an individual basis. You cannot control someone else’s behavior but you can communicate in a tactful manner to solve the problem. If a dinner guest in your home is chewing gum, your could discreetly offer a tissue or small piece of paper. I agree with you that gum on a plate is totally unacceptable – along with gum discarded on a sidewalk or floor. Gum chewing is popular for people who are trying to quit smoking. Breath mints are a recommended substitute, especially around others who may be offended by flapping jaws. Recently I was surprised to observe an usher chomping on gum while seating guests at a wedding. Since then, I have heard that bridesmaids have been known to chew it during the ceremony. The common sense rule for such festivities is: NO GUM! For those of you planning a wedding, it would be very appropriate to address this issue at the wedding rehearsal the night before the wedding.