How to Tell?

I am allergic to very strong scents and everytime I smelled even the littlest amount, I sneeze ot develop headahes afterwards. There's this one co-worker who wears that particular scent and I'm too shy to tell her that I'm really bothered with whatever foul-smelling perfume she was wearing. How can I tell her the best way that she won't get offended?

i would also be uncomfortable if i were in your situation, but i would probably give her a perfume and tell her, this would probably smell better on you...please use it...

I don't see anything wrong with being honest in this situation. You aren't being rude or saying you have a problem with her - you just can't tolerate strong fragrance.

Say it conversationally and it will probably be easier. Make a comment about how you hate that you can't tolerate most fragrances, because there are so many you like. Tell her you really like what she has on (okay, so maybe a little white lie might be needed here, haha) but that for some reason it keeps making you sneeze. And then ask if she wouldn't mind not wearing it to the office, politely.

The other option is to be all dramatic, say you have a horrible headache, say someone must be wearing some really strong perfume because that's what usually triggers them for you - and hope she gets the hint.

your approach should also depend on her personality, if she would take it personally, then it might be best for you to approach the situation delicately

[kitsch_k]

hmm maybe you should just sneeze and sneeze till she gets the message?!? hehe

LOL, but she'll also ask why you are sneezing and you'll have to make up something or tell the truth

[kitsch_k]

well if she realizes she's causing some discomfort am sure she'd do something about it if she's decent enough

[pinkbag]

Originally Posted by Tanya

I don't see anything wrong with being honest in this situation. You aren't being rude or saying you have a problem with her - you just can't tolerate strong fragrance...................

Ï completely agree with Tanya...rather than suffering yourself it would be a good idea to be diplomatic and convey your suffering to the person in question...for all you know she may be very supportive about it and may give up wearing it around you...

[kitsch_k]

yeah its up to her to face constructive criticism or get immature and get mad!

[pinkbag]

exaclty my point...if you are in a workplace working everyday with the same people around you then you have a responsibilty towards them....as a part of the group..

[kitsch_k]

yeah!! i think she's old enough to understand haha

I know now in some workplaces they dont allow loud smells. I think if you tell he rif she is a mature person she would try not to put to much on or chang escents. I know I would.

Originally Posted by lucky_pinay

i would also be uncomfortable if i were in your situation, but i would probably give her a perfume and tell her, this would probably smell better on you...please use it...

That sounds a little harsh really..I would say that it might compliment her well...Not that it would smell better...