No offense meant, but i find it a bit irritating if i hear a loud chewing noise as well...it's a different noise when eating chips that cracks...

I guess they are right, it is how you were raised, same with pink hippo, we were told to keep our mouth shut when chewing our food when we were kids.

But i noticed, people who have dental braces (especially newly placed) eat that way as it is kinda painful (that's what my friend told me) as for those who have false teeth, i am not that sure though ;)