OT: Office Ettiquette... How do I politely tell a young lady that I'm allergic to her Perfume ?

[cbelt3]

There's a young(er) lady who is a consultant, helping us on a project in the same general area where I work. And for whatever reason, the perfume that she wears causes me to cough and wheeze with asthmatic splendor. And since I'm fighting a nasty upper respiratory infection, that makes it much, much worse.

I don' t know how long she's going to be here... it's been a week.

How should I approach the issue ? Should I mention it to my boss ? Should I talk to the person that brought her in (who is also a nice lady..) ? Should I speak directly to her with humor and perhaps a little pathos.. you know... "Wheeze... a funny thing.. Wheeze..." ?

We don't have any official policies about scents and whatnot, and I don't want to make this a big issue, but it's getting kind of debilitating.

[mattkime]

I don't see why you wouldn't speak to her directly. as long as you can be polite about it.

[freeradical]

[$tevie]

mattkime wrote:
I don't see why you wouldn't speak to her directly. as long as you can be polite about it.

I agree. Getting other people involved might make it seem like you are trying to make a big deal out of this.

[OWC Jamie]

do you think slightly subtle hints might work
( you know, like sneezing and gagging ?
Or go all out:

[Grace62]

Yes just tell her one-on-one, and politely, of course. Humor is always good.

Since you like personal anecdotes cbelt I'll share one:
I had this happen just this week. I went to a friend's house and her young son was at home. Turns out he's allergic to perfumes. I had on Chanel Chance, my favorite, just a dab. I just went to a sink and scrubbed if off my wrists. No big deal.
I'm glad to know this about her son so I won't wear perfume when I know I'll be around him.
No one wants to contribute to other people's discomfort and will avoid it if they can, but they do have to know about it.

[Mike Johnson]

"I'm allergic to your perfume."

[decay]

"this might sound crazy, but i think i'm allergic to your perfume"

[kj4btkljv]

Offer to go home with her one day to sample the other perfumes she has - you know... to find one you're NOT allergic to.



Jeff

[space-time]

You politely tell the young lady that you're allergic to her Perfume.