To feel v paranoid that I smell?

[SaltySeaDogs]

I didn't have time to shower this a morn as running a bit late so shoved on a dress from my chair of clothes ie not dirty but not just out of the washing machine. I put perfume and deodorant on and apart from the dress not smelling of washing powder, it doesn't smell bad and neither do I, I think? Am aware I prob don't smell ridiculously fresh smell though!!!

Anyway I was working with a new team today and as I left the manager said oh, you're like a breath of fresh air amongst all these jaded people - I can't help but feel that's a reflection on me not smelling great?!? Someone reassure me - CAN people smell themselves? Has everyone been talking about me behind my back?! It's a very professional company and there were some senior people in the room

[SaltySeaDogs]

Also my hair hasn't been washed got a few days (the miracle of dry shampoo) - am washing it tonight though! I am not a dirty person, just don't need to wash hair regularly.

[Imfinehowareyou]

A breath of fresh air is a compliment and nothing to do with your personal hygiene.

[FeckinCrutches]

Are you a bit stupid? Surely you know what 'A breath of fresh air' means?

[MooPointCowsOpinion]

I don't think the previous comments are helpful. I have had days where I think 'oh god what if I smell' and actually have had someone tell me I did smell, and I just wasn't aware of it. I'm so careful now.

Clothes are the culprit for me, they hang on to smells even after a good wash, especially more woollen type materials.

You probably didn't smell today, so don't worry too much, now you know it makes you anxious to go to work in those clothes just don't do that anymore. For your own peace of mind rather than because you will smell.

[Salmotrutta]

Are you a bit stupid?

Are you always so pleasant FeckinCrutches?

OP - I'm sure the manager was just saying a nice thing

[SaltySeaDogs]

No im not stupid - I'm very intelligent - intelligent enough to understand and be aware that people can be rude to get a laugh from others. I work in a wanker banker investment bank...

[BeingATinselTwatItsABingThing]

If you are that worried, shower daily (doesn't have to be hair as well although mine needs washing every day) and wash your clothes regularly.

[ILostItInTheEarlyNineties]

A wanker banker investment bank? try saying that when you're pissed

I doubt you smell, you've got deoderant and perfume on. I think you would smell yourself if you started to honk. The worst body odour is caused by stale sweat I'd say, so clothes that have been worn for several days are the worst offenders as bacteria starts to 'feed' on all the sweat absorbed by your clothes.

[monkeywithacowface]

Jaded means bored or unenthusiastic so nothing to do with smelling - think you are over thinking it a bit

[Birdsgottafly]

I'm going against the grain, but you need to was and not rely on coving up not being fresh. My DD does it sometimes, I think it's insulting to those that you work with.

It's like not cleaning and throwing on a plug in.

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

Do you know what 'a breath of fresh air means?'

[FlyingElbows]

I'm more worried about the fact that you work in investment banking and don't know what the phrase "like a breath of fresh air" means! Just wash and hang your clothes up instead of dumping them on a chair if you're that worried about people being able to smell you. How odd.

[ILostItInTheEarlyNineties]

I'm sure OP knows what "A breath of fresh air" means

I assume she was worried he was being sarcastic when he said it in front of others.
It might sound silly, but I've worked in an all male sales team and it wasn't a pleasant experience. Casual sexism and thinly veiled digs dressed up as jokes were the norm.

[RubbishMantra]

Pffft, fuckit. Who cares what they think as long as you know your personal stink level.

My cats groom themselves' with their own saliva, and are never stinky.

[Blacksox]

I think you're being very paranoid.

But no shower, unwashed hair and worn clothes? My friend does this - and she does smell a wee bit fusty.

[roundaboutthetown]

Have you considered working somewhere that doesn't make you feel so paranoid?!

[SaltySeaDogs]

Of course I know what it means! I am referring to the fact that it could be interpreted as a sarcastic play on words ffs

[SaltySeaDogs]

I have anxiety problems that I'm getting help with

[Hellochicken]

OP knows what "breath of fresh air" means.

She wonders if wanker bank manager said it as a joke, that she wouldnt "get" as they had been talking about her smell before he made the comment.

I think you might not smell yourself (sorry!) but one day missing shower and using deodrant shouldnt be too smelly. I think you can smell pongy clothes the next day, if they smell. Just be fresh tomorrow as its obviously worrying you.

I would guess it was a complement on your enthusiasm.

[RubbishMantra]

*... and they begin their body-wash with their anuses. I assume you don't do the same OP?

[Hellochicken]

x post

[Miserylovescompany2]

Unless you'd been doing some rather vigorous exercise the night before? I wouldn't of thought you'd of offended any nostrils?? Ah, dry shampoo is my all time fav short cut on the washing/drying/styling faff!

Try not to over think it OP :)