Redditor Clashes With Pregnant Co-Worker Over Cologne Choice
Within the bustling office where our tale takes shape, a seemingly trivial incident emerges as a focal point, triggering a discord between two colleagues.
In the midst of their usual office routine, our storyteller (Original Poster) found solace in a dab of cologne as part of their daily ritual. Little did they anticipate that this seemingly innocuous preference would set off a sequence of events, dividing the workspace and prompting a lively debate within the Reddit community.
The narrator frequently occupied a desk positioned behind two expectant coworkers, one of whom was dubbed PC. Despite being reassigned to another department, PC remained steadfast in her refusal to change workstations.
One fateful morning, as our storyteller settled into their work, a message from PC materialized on their screen. PC was a straight-shooter, skipping pleasantries and inquiring if our storyteller was wearing cologne.
Baffled by the abruptness of the query, our storyteller confirmed the cologne, unknowingly stepping onto the threshold of an emerging storm. The ensuing dialogue, brief yet steeped in tension, captured the essence of the brewing conflict.
PC voiced her aversion to the fragrance, urging our storyteller to abstain from wearing it during office hours. Sympathetic but resolute, our storyteller proposed an alternative cologne, only to be met with PC’s steadfast disapproval.
A suggestion to aid PC’s relocation back to her original department for increased comfort was swiftly declined. With no resolution in sight following back-and-forths, our storyteller made the decision to disregard PC’s complaints and persist in wearing their cologne.
As the dust settles on this clash, the lingering inquiry emerges: Was our storyteller being self-centered in refusing to acknowledge their coworker’s sensitivity to cologne, or do they possess a valid stance in maintaining their position?
The Reddit community eagerly anticipates its chance to cast judgment on this polarizing workplace puzzle. Continue reading to uncover the final verdict.
The Elaborate Account
A Glimpse into the Background
An Unusual Morning Message
A Compromise Attempt and Its Rejection
OP offered to help move her things to her original department where she would be more comfortable, but she turned the offer down. With no other resolution in mind, OP decided that they were going to continue wearing their cologne
We’ve Garnered Diverse Reactions from the Reddit Community for Your Consideration:
“Numerous individuals may be sensitive to fragrances, and it’s inconsiderate to inundate the shared air.”
“NTA, though I’d add a caveat that if you’re excessively applying cologne, you’d be at fault.”
“Half the people I encounter in public drench themselves in cologne. But during pregnancy, your sense of smell is heightened.”
“If the issue was truly severe, she would have taken up your offer to relocate her belongings.”
“ESH. She approached this situation incorrectly…but it’s not an unreasonable request to abstain from cologne use in the office for a while.”
The Reddit community appears to be split on this matter. Some commenters reprimand our storyteller for what appears to be an insensitivity to the sensitivities of others, asserting that communal spaces ought to remain scent-free.
They underscore the importance of considering the well-being of expectant colleagues, who might experience amplified sensitivities.
On the opposing side, certain commenters rally behind our storyteller, asserting that as long as their use of cologne isn’t excessive, their actions remain reasonable. They counter that PC could have explored relocating to a different desk through a colleague exchange to alleviate the situation.
Your input is eagerly anticipated. Participate in the discourse by sharing your thoughts in the comments below.
