Posted on 11/10/2005 by DyingfromStink
Viewed: 747 times
All - I need help on how to handle this perfume addict that sits next to me. Her perfume is way way too strong, and though people all around can smell it, I sit in the cube right next to her. My throat is burning, my nostrils are numb...how do I politely ask her to quit wearing perfume. I mean, can someone do that? Can I actually ask her to stop? Everytime she goes to the bathroom she puts more makeup and perfume on... HELP! I'm dying! How do I do this PC?
POST A COMMENTsotia(11/10/2005)
Oooh, there's a bigger problem here. You said that she goes to the bathroom to put more of everything on. Even if you ask her nicely, I think it is too much of an ingrained habit for her to just say "ok" and change. I think you have to talk to her boss like Mrs. M says because I don't think you're in the position to ask her to stop, you'll just cause tension. But maybe you don't care if there's tension since she already annoys you.
DyingfromStink(11/10/2005)
She doesn't so much annoy me, she is actually a nice person. But is not an equal, so I do feel strange. I have talked to others, and one of my co-workers has a headache because of it. Soooo... tomorrow when she asks how I'm doing, I'm going to tell her that I got so sick from someone in the next row over using perfume. I'll blame it on someone else and see if she gets the hint. Otherwise, I love the fan idea!
tiredofbeingyourmomma(11/10/2005)
We are able to wear perfume, the females at least try to: tell the person the scent is "interesting" or "lovely". Then clearly explain that in enclosed areas any perfume can be overpowering or distracting. Everyone appreciates good hygiene, but not everyone can (or should have to) appreciate a scent they cannot escape. Just tell her this has been a problem in the past, and you are suggesting an easy way for her to meet the office culture or standards. Maybe no one ever told her that too much perfume is just tacky and nasty.
DyingfromStink(11/10/2005)
Come on... doesn't everyone know that 6 applications a day is tooo much? I mean, isn't that common knowledge? Really? Personally, I think she is trying to smell s*xy for the boys, which in my opinion should be left for the bar - NOT the office.
Walk the Planks(11/10/2005)
Can you go to your doctor's and get a note that you're having medical problems -- headaches, sinus, sore throats -- from the perfume that this woman is wearing? This way, HR or management can ask her not to wear perfume, move her seat, or simply move your seat somewhere else. Go to the doctor's for a checkup. Let him know how this is effecting you and ask the doctor to help you out with a note for work. It'll force them to do something about the perfume culprit.
c - -(11/11/2005)
desperate measure; one girl with asthma brought a doctor's note that stated no exposure to perfume, insect spray or other scented items of any kind. She had the small department cowed. Careful this can back fire, use as last resort!
LovetoRun!(11/11/2005)
I once worked with a "Diva" who wore "her late Mother's favorite perfume" every stinkin' day! I believe I had an allergy to it and tried to gently tell her so. I sat behind her and sneezed all morning. By the end of the day I was nearly sick. So I made an attempt to speak to her about this. I complimented her first, then explained my dilemma. I had hoped she'd understand. No such luck. She flew in a rage. People who douse themselves in perfume, think that it is making them more attractive or more beautiful. UGH! They don't care about you or me. They are looking to be noticed. Back in earlier times in Europe, perfume was used in place of bathing and before embalming was available. If you are in a big enough firm, you can asked to be moved and claim you have an allergy to her perfume. You should not have to put up with headaches because of her. Thats my spin on this. I hope you can resolve it.
tiredofbeingyourmomma(11/11/2005)
Hey: had a convergence moment last night. Went to a meeting where a woman was sitting in a cloud of perfume (she often does). The guy next to her said "you must have been to a perfume sale. I'm sorry, but I have to talk to you when it wears off. Reminds me of funeral, ha-ha." The woman apologized, and chuckled along.
tiredofbeingyourmomma(11/15/2005)
Please tell what happened, resolution or no. For some odd reason this issue (like icky odors) keeps oozing into my reality lately.
DyingfromStink(11/15/2005)
She and her husband must have made up, because so far this week, Monday/Tuesday she hasn't OD'ed. I decided to let it slide until we are in a friendly conversation, and I think I'll blame it on someone on the other side of my cube..and maybe she'll get the hint.
perfumesucks (11/10/2005)
I fully understand what you are going through. I had a similar issue at a past job and i get migraines from some perfumes. I walked out sick practically everyday and was going to approach the women who wore the offensive perfume but my manager told me that she was very sensitive and not to talk to her. I left that job for that reason and safety issues. Maybe you can approach her and tell her in a nice way to tone it down because you get sick from it. Good luck.
Mrs. M (11/10/2005)
can you talk to her boss or HR? Maybe other people feel this way too and would thank you. Her boss must realize it and not like it either...
SouthernProgrammer (11/10/2005)
Tell your boss you have a medical reason to not want to sit in the cubicle next to the perfume addict or get a small fan and blow it right back.
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