Dear Annie: I am part of a family that also has a woman renting a room in our house. I have always been extremely sensitive to smells and scents, but this woman’s odors send me gagging out of the room. My son is also sensitive to the smell.
Now that the weather is getting warmer, the smells are becoming stronger. While she is OK with my occasional request for her to go take a shower, I also don’t want to demand that she shower daily, although that is what is necessary to keep the smells manageable.
How would you suggest I broach this subject without offending her? -- Sensorily Overloaded
Dear Sensorily Overloaded: The best way to deal with the stinky housemate is to be honest, kind but firm. Ask her what she thinks is causing the odor? The worst thing you can do is be passive aggressive about it. Instead, investigate together what could be causing the bad odor. You could even have a laugh about it. You might also help her in other areas of her life. For instance, maybe after she cleans up her act, she will be more willing to find a romantic partner.
Stories by Annie Lane
- Dear Annie: I am so jealous of my mother, it’s ruining my life
- Dear Annie: Husband’s eyes wander to new neighbor, 25 years younger
- Dear Annie: As a female doctor, I can say, the last-name problem is real
- Dear Annie: Destination birthday party becomes a financial burden for guests
- Dear Annie: Sober, but still paying for friends’ drinks
“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology -- featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation -- is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM