DEAR MISS MANNERS: During my morning video chats for work, my dad always wakes up late, makes lots of noise in the kitchen (where I work) and eats right in front of me.
He is a not-so-pleasant eater, and I can never unmute because they would hear him chewing. He walks right by me so that everyone can see him. I have asked him politely to move, but he says that this is the kitchen and so he is allowed.
I am not allowed to work anywhere else, due to my family’s workspaces. Can you help, please?
GENTLE READER: Unfortunately, Miss Manners cannot retrain your father, as, with the far greater claim of having to work, you have been unable to do. So let us shift to killing him with kindness.
Suppose you get up somewhat earlier, fix him a breakfast tray, and deliver it elsewhere, complete with covers or pots that will keep the food warm until he awakes. That way, you are doing him a favor, rather than asking him to do the minimal accommodation -- it can hardly be called a favor -- you require.