A woman who can’t stand the noise of people eating as it fills her with “rage” – especially at Christmas – has revealed she’ll be spending the big day at a pub for the first time.
Louise Lansbury used to think spending Christmas Day with her family was a “nightmare”.
The 36-year-old, from Southampton, suffers from a rare condition called misophonia – extreme sensitivity to sound – and often avoids being around others whenever she can.
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Especially during the big festive day feast.
This year, however, she’s pushing herself to new limits and will dine out at a pub first the first time to enjoy pigs in blankets, turkey and roast potatoes galore.
Louise will be subjecting herself to the noise of people’s chatter and laughter, as well as eating noises, in a bid to help with her ongoing therapy.
And while the thought brings her anxiety, she’s found a solution to ease her frustration.
“I’ve found music helps to calm me down almost instantly,” the holistic business owner told Need To Know.
“It’s the first thing I think about when visiting a new pub or restaurant.
“For most people, it’d be what’s on tap or on the menu.
“It shouldn’t really be the only thing on my mind – and it is quite odd – but it works for me.
“It can’t be loud music, though.
“Just background music, but I am partial to a few Christmas songs.”
Louise, who also wears earplugs 24/7 to “drown out” any excessive noise, won’t be dining with her family this year.
Instead, she’s going to take out an elderly woman, whom she’s recently moved in with, and classes as her “unofficial adopted aunt”.
She said, “She needs help with care, though she’s like family to me.
“I’ve asked her to go to a pub for Christmas Day, as it’s not something I’ve done before, and the atmosphere will be nice.
“She deserves to be treated.”
And it’s not the only outing Louise is planning this festive season.
She said: “I’ve asked a big group of friends out for multiple Christmas meals in the lead up.
“It’s not like me, so they’ve all been quite confused when I asked.
“But I think we’ll go to a couple, mostly chain pubs, where I know there’s music.
“And if I get frustrated, I know how to control my anger.”
Louise uses a variety of fidget rings, costing £3 each, which she begins to spin whenever she hears a noise she doesn’t like.
Almost instantly, the frustration goes away.
Her take on exposure therapy has meant that she’s able to go out in public once again – and says she’s looking forward to the “best Christmas ever”.
She added, “I used to eat as quickly as I could on Christmas, then remove myself, so I could go back into my room and avoid lashing out in a fit of rage.
“Now, I’m able to manage it.
“I don’t freak out so much.
“If I feel I’m bubbling up, I’ll put my music on, take a few deep breaths and return to the moment.
“It’s been life-changing being able to understand what my brain is going through.
“All I need is a little bit of distraction.
“It’s so exciting being able to go out and enjoy life again.”
