How to Deal with Someone that Spits when They Talk

Jody Morse
There are many people out there who spit when they talk. A lot of the time, this spitting is really out of their control. Unfortunately, this fairly common problem is not a pleasant experience for those that are often around the people who have it. Sometimes, dealing with someone that spits when they talk can seem a bit challenging. Here are some of the things that you should take into consideration when trying to deal with someone who has a spitting problem.

Take a Step Back if it Seems Necessary

In many situations, the person who spits when they speak may end up getting it all over you. To prevent this from happening, you will probably just want to take a step back. Although you may want to make a comment like, "Say it, don't spray it," the average person will take this comment offensively. At the same time, however, it may let them know that it happens if they frequently spit on you when they talk. Use your best judgment but do keep in mind that stepping back in the politer option in this situation.

Avoid Looking at the Person's Mouth

As humans, we are naturally drawn to look at a person's mouth when we are talking to them. However, putting too much emphasis on looking at the person's mouth while they are speaking to you may cause them to feel self-conscious. Sometimes, you may focus on a person's mouth a lot without even realizing that you are doing it. You should get into the habit of looking a person in the eyes during conversations, whether they have a spitting problem or not. If the person already knows that they have a spitting problem, they may feel even less confident about themselves when you draw attention to their mouths. If they do not know, they may wonder what is going on. The best thing to do is avoid it.

Reconsider Saying Anything About It

Although you may want to say something to someone with a spitting problem, it is a good idea for you to reconsider doing so. The main reason is because the person may become offended by it. It is also important for you to consider that the way you tell a person that they have a spitting problem may have an affect on how well it goes over. If you do choose to go ahead and tell the person about their problem, the best thing that you can do is say it as kindly as you possibly can. Don't be mean about it, but instead make sure that they realize that you are informing them about their spitting problem from the bottom of your heart. Let them know that you wanted them to be aware of the fact that they spit when they speak. Even if they do not listen to what you have to say, hopefully they will not become offended.

These are just some of the many things that you should take into consideration when you are trying to deal with someone who has a spitting problem. Although it may seem very difficult for you to overcome, the best thing that you can do is try to not concentrate on the problem so much. Remember that anyone with a spitting problem is still a person. It is not their fault that they have a spitting problem, so it is best to be considerate of their feelings.

Published by Jody Morse - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness

Jody Morse has a B.A. in English from East Stroudsburg University. As a sufferer of endometriosis, she enjoys writing about women's health issues. She has worked as an assistant wedding DJ, and is dabbling i...  View profile

34 Comments

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  • Ryan Madge11/28/2010

    Please help me a get bullied every day of my life for it, what can i do to prevent my self from spitting on my friends when i am having a converstaionwith them :/ ?

  • William P.4/13/2010

    I have started spitting and recognized it myself. My girlfriend also mentioned it. In my opinion, it starts when I talk fast so try to slow down.

  • Bob Mc3/13/2010

    Ok, I am a spitter, not so much normally but when I go out to clubs and get to partying.
    To make matter worse, I have a slight hearing problem so I have to get closer to hear their response (all the music and talking).
    It happened this Friday night. I am a free spirit and love to tell stories and I am pretty good at it BUT as the night wore on I could see this lady start to move back from me. I did not realize it but now I know (after the party :) that I was probably showering her. Good thing we left good friends and I now have figured out my problem.
    It's the T's and P's. So you guys/gals watch out for that when you get excited mainly. It's just another part of lifes problems.
    Like some of the posts say they hate it, others put up with it, especially if they like someone.
    I have been spit on before and I did not like it so you can imagine how I felt once I realized what I was doing.

    I will be more careful next time. Some things just can't be helped like hard hearing etc.

  • Noel Galvez5/17/2008

    Amusing! :)

  • Mary E. Coe3/11/2008

    Excellent advice.

  • Ms. Nicole A.3/9/2008

    Great advice. I'm a supporter of staying as far away form the person as possible. That is just nasty.

  • R. Elizabeth C. Kitchen3/6/2008

    Thanks for this. I hate this my old neurologist did this and since he was pretty old he would get up in your face and talk because he couldn't hear well. I wish I would have known this then. My new one is spit free!

  • Lauren Romano3/6/2008

    Great article. I absolutely hate it when people spit while they talk!

  • K. Ray3/6/2008

    Funny you should write this. I encountered a spitter when my husband, son, and I went to a car dealership. The man literally spit every time he spoke. It was flying in all directions, and it looked like foam! The guy was disgusting, and I was afraid he was going to spit all over us. I even called him "The Spitter" when I talked to my son and husband about him. *LOL* I can laugh about it now. Great advice!

  • Adam Michael Luebke3/6/2008

    Haha, I enjoyed reading this. Except I hope I'm not a spitter. How would I know? It's not like anybody is going to say something. I'm kind of worried now.

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