[shortandcute]

......I don't like to eat around my son (25) and daughter (17) anymore; I'm suddenly very self conscious about them seeing me eat--and would much rather eat when they are not around me, regardless of how hungry I am.This has only been in the last few months, and it's getting more intense.

[Alter Ego]

Originally Posted by shortandcute

......I don't like to eat around my son (25) and daughter (17) anymore; I'm suddenly very self conscious about them seeing me eat--and would much rather eat when they are not around me, regardless of how hungry I am.This has only been in the last few months, and it's getting more intense.

In the last couple of years i get a similar feeling when i eat around my parents. And only around them. I have a great rush of anger and self control management issues arise when i become aware that my father is watching me eat.
I have an urge to tear myself apart or anyone who comes my way when i see or hear him eat too.
Gotten used to it by now though, as i don't live with them anymore, only when i'm in town, so i'm not sure how i can give any helpful advice other then let you knw there are others too with these kinds of problems

[Victoria'smom]

is there any food you can eat in front of them. Maybe crackers?

[shortandcute]

I just don't like them seeing me eat for some reason.

[Alter Ego]

Originally Posted by shortandcute

......I don't like to eat around my son (25) and daughter (17) anymore; I'm suddenly very self conscious about them seeing me eat--and would much rather eat when they are not around me, regardless of how hungry I am.This has only been in the last few months, and it's getting more intense.

I've been having similar fettle the last couple of years. I can't eat anything around my parents, and just my parents, without starting to get enraged and wanting to jump out of my skin. I can't stand watching or listening to my father eat either. Now i've gotten used to it, and i don't live with my parents on a regular basis anymore, only when i'm in town, so i don't know how much of a helpful advice i can give you, except letting you know there are others out there with similar issues

[AngelWolf3]

I can understand that. There are certain people I WILL NOT eat around. (like my mom and dad). Can't do it. Don't know why either.

Do you feel judged when they watch you eat? (might be a stupid question, I don't usually ask questions, so forgive me!)

[Alter Ego]

Originally Posted by shortandcute

......I don't like to eat around my son (25) and daughter (17) anymore; I'm suddenly very self conscious about them seeing me eat--and would much rather eat when they are not around me, regardless of how hungry I am.This has only been in the last few months, and it's getting more intense.

I am in a similar situation myself, for the past several years.
I can't eat with my parents at the table without getting anxious, and watching or even listening my father eat makes want to jump out of my skin.

I've gotten accustomed to the feelings over time however and they don't bother me as much as i do not live with my parents anymore except when i'm in town.
Do you have any idea as to why you are so self-conscious about this now ?
I know i have really bad memories from childhood at the ''table'' from arguments down to harrasement, situations that continue to this very day, dinner or lunch was always that -powder keg ready to blow at any moment- time, but as i said with time i've gotten accustomed to it.

[precious things]

It's definitely an ED behavior and a slippery slope. Part of the whole isolation and wall we build up. It's unnerving and I'm sorry you feel this way.

[shortandcute]

I think part of what it is is that I used to be really obese, and I feel like people are "watching" me so to speak. People in my family used to take pics of me when I was heavy for the sole purpose of making fun of me. Plus my kids have told me that I "eat loud," and my daughter has teased me about "eating so fast." In general, I feel like they are watching me like a hawk when I eat and that I am being judged. I fell like I am "on display" when I eat.

[precious things]

Originally Posted by shortandcute

I think part of what it is is that I used to be really obese, and I feel like people are "watching" me so to speak. People in my family used to take pics of me when I was heavy for the sole purpose of making fun of me. Plus my kids have told me that I "eat loud," and my daughter has teased me about "eating so fast." In general, I feel like they are watching me like a hawk when I eat and that I am being judged. I fell like I am "on display" when I eat.

That is just so sad. No one should be made to feel that way. You deserve to nourish yourself just like any other living being

[Alter Ego]

Originally Posted by precious things

That is just so sad. No one should be made to feel that way. You deserve to nourish yourself just like any other living being

This!

And

In general, I feel like they are watching me like a hawk when I eat and that I am being judged. I fell like I am "on display" when I eat.

It is a difficult feeling to embrace indeed, however try to keep in mind the only person that can truly judge is yourself..no one else..