Originally Posted by
ylwae
While this is true, and clearly most of us don't wish to cause anyone distress, I'm almost certain that nearly everyone can find some substance or odor irritating or distressing. And I would argue (though I don't know for certain) that those who are severely (ie, physiologically) distressed by common substances or odors are in the minority.
Already in this thread we've identified nail polish (+/- remover), perfume, cologne, and lotion as substances which irritate people. I know people who don't like the smell of tanned leather, new furniture, glue, and paint. Personally, I don't like smelly feet, body odor, etc., and I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in that respect.
Common sense would dictate that you not overdo the perfume or cologne. Yet common sense should also motivate people to take a shower, not to wear footwear which allows odor to escape into the cabin, not to break wind, etc. Why, in circumstances where organic wrongs are committed, is there no glaring, no pointed comments, or the like? Or is there?
I'm being a bit facetious in some of my comments, but I do have difficulty determining how to be everything to every one of my fellow passengers.
There is a difference between behaviour which is annoying, gross, disgusting or disturbing and that which creates a medical problem or crisis (as indicated above in ALM5150's post). I have severe allergies including a life threatening one. I carry 2 double epi pens and don't live in a bubble. I take my chances and hope that one of these days they'll come up with something that will prevent/cure my allergies. I'm not going to stop flying/stay in hotels/go to restaurants/public, etc. but would appreciate people not doing things like apply perfume in public. I am sure that the people doing this have no idea that they are harming someone else. I don't think anyone does this maliciously. Hopefully, this thread will open some eyes.