Dear Abby

[ivory dove]

I'll back the posters who want to correct the sniffler
only because there is nothing unkind about telling
him he's getting on people's nerves so someone else
doesn't take negative action against him. If he can minimize his faux pas, it's better than turning your head
and letting him become a target.

[Mitsy]

SNH wrote:

<quoted text>You lead a very blessed life to be one of the golden people who has deemed themselves "socially acceptable". By your logic, you should not be posting comments online, because I find your attitude socially awkward and do not appreciate being subjected to your narrow thinking. So if you could please no longer post online again, because you offend me and I find it hard not to look at your comments. Thanks for your cooperation.

No, I'm just realistic....and I will say what most people are thinking but won't say. It is disruptive to have someone behave in this manner out in public....If I had the disease, I would NOT go out in public or until I found meds that worked. I would not be a side show for people. Sorry but that's the way I see it.

[Terri at home]

Mitsy wrote:

<quoted text>
No, I'm just realistic....and I will say what most people are thinking but won't say. It is disruptive to have someone behave in this manner out in public....If I had the disease, I would NOT go out in public or until I found meds that worked. I would not be a side show for people. Sorry but that's the way I see it.

Oh, Mitsy. How very sad for you.

We are on this earth to live. Everyone is. No one person is going to be the perfect person and not disrupt everyone. We all have our things. Some more than others. I believe if you can help someone on this earth, you make it a better place. If that is to make them feel more comfortable about their difference that is one way. Why else are we here? We all end up gone at some point. Why not try to make it a little better while we are here?

[Shirley_U_Geste]

Terri at home wrote:

<quoted text>
Mitsy! You are usually much more kind hearted.

Really?? I've never noticed it.

[Anne]

Friendly people, maybe it is time to step back a little and look at the broader picture.

There are many diseases and syndromes out there, who would have guessed 20 years ago there could be so many? It is how we all deal with them that matters and understanding should be a two-way street. Some people will always be uncomfortable or bothered by a particular manifestation of a disease/syndrome. It doesn't mean that they are prejudiced or are nasty.

This issue was originally one of working in an environment which is comfortable for EVERYONE. Accommodation should not be limited to the person who has a medical diagnosis.

I distinctly remember working with a woman who declared that she had asthma and that people wearing perfume were affecting her health. She soon decided that it was one particular co-worker who "smelled" the worse.

The second co-worker was told she couldn't wear perfume so she stopped. Then it was the soap she used. Then it was the laundry detergent. Then it was hairspray. The first co-worker never found another person to blame in the 30 person office, one which had 200 to 300 clients in and out each day.

The Director's response was to bring in a bottle of Fabreeze (I think I spelled that right) and would come in and spray worker 2 each day. This really was outrageous and offends me to this day.

Work places have changed over the years to places where you can't open the windows and you don't have a private office space.

I think this is a management problem and the problem is with management for not providing a quality work environment for ALL workers.

[Mitsy]

Shirley_U_Geste wrote:

<quoted text>
Really?? I've never noticed it.

And you are???

[Shirley_U_Geste]

Mitsy wrote:

<quoted text>
And you are???

An observant person, that's who.

[Mitsy]

Shirley_U_Geste wrote:

<quoted text>
An observant person, that's who.

Not impressed but thanks anyway. I really couldn't care less.

[gimmeabreak]

Matilda wrote:

Deal with it the same way I deal with the lady two cubicles over from me with the disgusting, wet, hacking smoker's cough: iPod. I get a 10 minute break from her every hour when she goes outside to inhale more carcinogens. At least if she had Tourette's, I'd have some degree of sympathy for her.

Nice; your mother brought you up so well. I'm sure she is very proud of your kindness to others.