What would you do?

Please take a minute and read this and give me your opinion. I'll try to keep it short.

Several months ago, I gave up having a private office to room with Mary Ann because the only other option was for Mary Ann, who I considered my friend, to be moved into a cubicle type area with two other people. I did this as a favor to her.

Mary Ann is WELL aware that I have chemical sensitivites and really suffer when I'm around someone who is wearing perfume. In fact, she told the newest employee Susan that she could not wear perfume or burn candles because she would work closely with me!

However, Mary Ann has been constantly wearing perfume. Yesterday, she wanted to turn on the heater and I told her not to because it would only make her fragrance even worse and it was already giving me a headache. I wound up leaving and going to school sites all day just to avoid her perfume. My job is suffering because I lost a day's worth of paperwork catching up I needed to do.

She has told our boss that her "rights are being violated" because she has the right wo wear perfume. I know good and well that my right to breathe takes precedent and I could have the entire school district made a fragrance free zone based on the fact that I go to all schools. I don't want to go to that extreme though. It's obvious that she's putting her selfish vanity ahead of my HEALTH! Perfume causes me to have headaches, nausea, burning eyes, coughing, wheezing, and a a sore throat.

My boss told me to get documentation from my doctor about my problems because she's as sick of Mary Ann's treatment of me as I am.

What would you do? It's not just about rights and all, but how would you handle having to room with this person who is supposed to be your friend but cares so little about your wellbeing?

Becky

you could politely inform her that she would be in a shit office if it weren't for you. at the end of the day, she knew your problems and if she isn't prepared to accept this then she shouldn't be working with you.

go visit a doctor- get a documentation on that- give it to your boss- she'll do the rest hope it turns out as simple

I agree she is a right bitch and needs a slap on the face let your boss do the talking, let us know what happens

Isn't it odd that Mary Ann has such a fit about her right to wear loud perfume but she seemingly has no problem denying Susan of this same right?? Maybe you should point that out to her...otherwise I agree with the others: get the statement and let the chips fall where they may. It isn't your fault that you have problems with perfumes and scented candles, and it isn't something you can change. If she can't get over it, maybe she should move her desk in to the tiny office after all.

get the documentation, and kick her out.

I can understand for some persons it's hard to believe. But on the other hand in US I think it's something which is well know now. People can suffer like you of fragrance etc .... if she can't understand or just can't spend a day without her perfume, she's not very clever or just kind ... I hope you'll find a way in this situation.

Get the documentation and let your boss handle it. I wouldn't engage in a confrontation about how you helped her and her denying another person of wearing perfume as she is clearly being selfish and infantile at the moment.
Good luck

Tash

I think it's kinda childish from Mary Ann's side.

In my country employes have only one right - do what the boss sais them.

Nat