Dear Alma,
I am in the brass section of an orchestra, and quite happy. There is a new member of our section. After our lunch break, she often comes back with a very strong and immediate odor which quickly surrounds our section and makes me quite sick. I am not sure what I can do about it, but it’s gotten to the point that I can’t ignore it any longer. Please help!
Sick of the Smell
Dear Sick of the Smell,
Aha. Yes. Been there. This is a tricky situation, one which can easily become awkward. Tread carefully.
My first advice would be to have some mints after lunch, and offer her one casually. She may get the hint. Try the small Altoids cinnamon. Those can work miracles. Also perhaps make sure she sees you grabbing your toothbrush and toothpaste after lunch.
Bad breath can be caused from a number of things, from strong foods, lack of oral hygiene, or a deeper medical issue.
I do think popping into HR could be good. They could put up a simple sign in the dressing room, suggesting brushing teeth and thinking of your co-workers before choosing the 3-pepper burrito for lunch.
Be kind and be quick. The longer it goes on for, the more potentially awkward it can be to address.
Questions for Alma? Please put them in the comments section or send to DearAlmaQuery@gmail.com
The post Dear Alma, My partner stinks after lunch. Help! appeared first on Slippedisc.
-5.jpg?w=160&resize=160,160&ssl=1 "Cross-cultural cross currents: Jasdeep Singh Degun with Fantasia Orchestra in Terry Riley's iconic In C performed by string orchestra, piano, sitar and tabla at Smith Square Hall")
