I think SALT is addictive -- I only buy saltless nuts now; and I also count my nuts out (like the last poster). Plus, like Ruth I buy more nuts in a shell; and it does take more time and bother to shell them, which can be an annoyance and/or delay factor for some people.

Of course, your problem is at social functions, so this may not help you if you have already chosen to ignore some basic rules like OFF PLAN, OFF LIMITS, NOT HEALTHY, NOT MEASURED, NOT HUNGRY, NOT NEEDED, NOT MEALS, etc. Stick your hands in your pockets and retreat! Don't go; stay home? No, that won't work.

How about a count to 10 rule -- you can't have more than 10 of any nuts of any kind, any time; then you have to walk away. Go somewhere else; do something else; be somewhere else. Take a walk say ...