My friend touches his feet (exstensively) at social gatherings

[MrBaskerville]

Hi

I have this friend who has a habit of removing his socks when we are at social gatherings with friends. He then proceeds to spread out his toes and puts his fingers inbetween each toe, over and over again. Afterwards he usually smells his fingers, and sometimes he even puts his foot near the cat, encouraging it to smell and/or lick his feet.

The main problem is that there's often crisps and snacks at these gatherings, which is why i find it a bit disgusting. I don't really want people to touch their (presumed) infected feet and then stuffing their hands into the bags of crisps.

I think it sounds out there or maybe i'm a bit squeamish, but this is a weird way to act at social gatherings, isn't it? Have any of you encountered something like this and how would you stop it, without making things awkward?

 

[renegade7]

Start by openly making jokes about him having a foot fetish. That way you can send the message that the behavior is strange and inappropriate while still ostensibly keeping things in good fun.

If that doesn't work, just tell him directly that you think it's unsanitary and you'd like him to stop, or just say that you have a house rule that people have to keep their socks on.

 

[mad825]

He's your friend, you cannot talk to him? No-one here can give you mind splitting advice because you're the only one who knows this guy.

Its hardly a bewildering issue, you deal with it your way....Unless you have homicidal thoughts in which case I would advise against.

 

[manic_depressive13]

EEEW what?? Wow that's gross. It sounds like you are worried that you are overreacting since you say that you might be "a bit squeamish" and he is only being "a bit disgusting". You are not overreacting. That person is being absolutely foul. Even if there weren't any food involved it would still be incredibly revolting. Tell him to stop. If that makes it awkward for him, too bad. He should know better.

 

[Barbas]

Just say, "That's disgusting. Keep your hands off your feet and keep your socks on."

And don't let him touch any food.

 

[sanquin]

Talk to him one-on-one, so he doesn't get embarrassed in front of others. Then just straight up tell him. "Dude, it's kinda gross that you touch your feet and smell your fingers when there's people over. Could you maybe not do that?" Something along those lines. If you're actually friends, he'll understand.