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Dear
Annette,
I work in a
small office. One of my coworkers doesn't shower very regularly, and we are
unsure how to talk to him about it without hurting his feelings. He is a very
funny, nice and bright person, but this is a problem.
Odorless
Dear
Odorless,
Every morning I
review my Philosophy of Fragrance: that my personal scent is an opportunity to
tell others who I am and what they can do for me. "I am an unwashed person.
Write for help" is probably not what your colleague had in mind.
That's a pity,
because aromas contribute so much to the formation of a personal brand. The
beautiful memories created by my signature perfume, for example, or the time I
wrapped myself in the cashmere pullover a nice young man left behind that still
smelled of his cologne. My dog Dickie enjoyed the cologne even more than I did,
and so the garment exists no more, but my memories of what's-his-name remain:
poignant, alluring, and fabulous. I can hardly bear to talk about it.
All of this points
to the power of a Personal Fragrance Zone. The effect you should be after is the
barest hint that your life-after-work is too fabulous to mention, that only
blurred black and white images by a French art photographer could possibly
convey just what it was you were up to, with whom and why you did it so often.
Accessories are de rigueur of course: a collection of high-quality
fragrances and a tiny black umbrella for your cubicle will ensure that you'll
always have Paris.
My strategy has
always been to create Moments, ones that have others dying to stand near while
even clergy confess that there's something ineffable about you. Just-peeled
clementines, spicy holiday cookies or a freshly washed you will all contribute
to the desired effect.
Some forms of body
odor are indeed medical and deserve the same tolerance as any other personal
idiosyncrasy. Even if you are sure your coworker simply needs to enjoy an
occasional bath, I am afraid only a silent example can change your coworker's
habits, as he does have a right to his own Philosophy of Fragrance. You might
try arranging a selection of good soaps in a graceful dish on your desk and
putting your faith in the long-term power of suggestion. Either that or start
complaining to him how your bath towels are worn out from constant
use.
Stay
fabulous,
Annette
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