DEAR ABBY: I'm in a sticky situation. My husband, "Chester," can't stand to eat meals with my dad. It's never bothered me, but Dad sometimes "smacks" or talks with food in his mouth. It drives Chester crazy. We visit them every week and meals are always involved. What do I do? Should my husband just get used to it? We decided to ask you for advice before we do anything else. -- IN A PICKLE IN TEXAS
DEAR IN A PICKLE: Have your mother talk to Dad and "suggest" that their son-in-law is used to more formal table etiquette, so would Dad please make an effort to not chew with his mouth open when the two of you are visiting. I can't promise it will do the trick, but it may make your father more conscious about what he's doing.