Comments on: Offensive Air Spray

By: merylrunion

merylrunion — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 14:32:21 +0000

Great post. DL. I’d like to use it as a success story and send you a Pippi if you’re willing.

By: DLPoff

DLPoff — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 18:46:08 +0000

This is one of the most difficult issues people face, isn’t it? How can you tactfully tell someone their odor or fragrance–depending on the nature of the smell–is offending you without hurting their feelings?

I used to attend the symphony quite often, and the ladies who usually sat next to me smelled as if they bathed in perfume. It was actually a quite nice perfume … just not in the quantity they indulged. I felt very shy about approaching them about it, but I also didn’t want to suffer through another concert while trying not to choke.

In the end, I compromised with my cowardice and wrote them a note. I explained that I liked their perfume very much but asked if they could not wear quite so much on concert evenings as it caused me discomfort. Both ladies approached me later and apologized for their perfume. We were able to laugh over it, and I never had another issue.

I notice many doctor offices and hospitals now request people not wear perfume or aftershaves if they are visiting to avoid allergy problems.

By: merylrunion

merylrunion — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 20:44:36 +0000

When he tells you that you reek, I suggest you say,

*When you tell me I reek it triggers a reaction in me. Please tell me your allergies are triggered rather than telling me I reek.

Or,
* I understand you’re sensitive to fragrance, and I need you to understand that I’m sensitive to remarks like that. Let’s respect each others sensitivities.

Or say,
* Honey, I’m working hard to accommodate your sensitivities. When I’m wearing a fragrance that is problematic for you, I appreciate you letting me know, but please tell me in a gentler way.

By: Anne

Anne — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 19:03:06 +0000

Interesting that this issue was resolved in a work environment because I have such an issue in my own home. My spouse seems to have an issue with any hair spray, body wash, hair shampoo, dishwasher soaps, laundry soaps, etc, etc. But instead of telling me these bother him he make crude remarks and says, “You reek”! Needless to say I’ve been so hurt so many times. I really try and avoid any sprays products but it is almost impossible to find products that are oderless. I truly think there’s more to this whole picture but he won’t admit it. Neither do I make an issue of times when he perhaps doesn’t “smell” the greatest! Would appreciate a comment bk in “private” on how I could possibly resolve this battle other than divorce!! Help!