To hate the smell of cigarette smoke

[Coffeebear]

One of my colleagues is a smoker, and our new office layout means we sit quite close together during the day. When they return from smoke breaks (which is annoying in itself but a moan for another day) they smell absolutely terrible. I don’t know if it’s the type of cigarettes they smoke or something because I have other colleagues/friends who smoke and the smoke doesn’t seem to ‘cling’ to them as much/I’ve never noticed a smell from them.
I dread the days we’re in the office together because I know the smell is going to turn my stomach at least three or four times that day. I guess there’s nothing I can do about it, it’s their choice to smoke but I don’t think they realise how strong the smell is.

I guess my AIBU is am I unreasonable to feel so annoyed that they carry this horrible smell with them several times a day when I can’t escape it?

You are allowed to feel annoyed. We haven't got the thought police yet.

Can you move somewhere else? Unfortunately, working in an office causes these issues, whether it's the smell of cigarettes, food, BO, etc. Personally, I can't stand the smell of coffee so if your username is anything to go by, I'd be feeling similar about you to how you feel about your colleague.

one of my colleagues would make me cough
just spray yourself - as a hint

Can you keep airfreshner in your drawer? When your colleague goes out, have a quick spray around their desk. When they come back in it might help neutralise the smoke smell.

I’m a smoker and I’ll be honest the smell of it is disgusting to me as well. I don’t smoke at work (just evenings). My husband is a smoker (and takes smoke breaks at work), he sprays himself and uses mints after he’s been out, so I think it’s inconsiderate of your colleague to not at least try and do something to lessen the smell.

Used t work with someone very senior. When they’d come back from a smoke they’d switch on some kind of air freshener in their office to cover up the smell. It was vile. They didn’t shut their office door unless they had a meeting going on or a phone call. Felt sorry for the colleague sitting right outside this person’s door, it was bad enough for me.

Of course YANBU, you're allowed to feel however you feel!

I find spraying things (perfume or air freshener) just makes it worse.
The only thing you can do it quietly ask your manager if you can move, I think

I would find a way of moving desk. Cigarette smoke is so grim and you're inhaling all sorts of chemicals. Raise it with your manager - it's giving you headaches and affecting your ability to work.

I really can't stand the smell of smoke either. I'd discuss with manager and ask if you can be moved. If so, do you have a window by you both - if so, each time they come in smelling of smoke open the window and a squirt of freshener. If they moan or ask you why, I'd tell them you can smell cigarette smoke in the office (don't have to say it's them) and it's awful.

Totally with you on this, OP. I’m on the spectrum, and smells- good or bad- are an obsession of mine. I can’t stand the smell of cigarettes, public toilets or bo.

I got myself really worked out once when doing my teaching training when a smoker kept choosing me to sit next to. I couldn’t bear it and one day just blurted out how much I hated it whilst spraying a cloud of sweet body spray in his vicinity. He was shocked and apologetic and thought I was a bit nuts for not speaking out earlier.

Don’t be this person! Just politely tell them how it makes you feel ill and that you’d like to suggest a couple of things- mints, perfume etc. They will probably be slightly apologetic and mortified- they should be!

I hear ya. It’s vile. And the only thing worse than the smell of cigarettes is the smell of cigarettes mixed with breath mints and/or body spray/air freshener. 🤢

I'm with you on this. My sister had to ask a family member not to have a cigarette just before getting into the car with us.

Thank you all for making me feel like I’m not just being a terrible person for getting so internally wound up everytime I see them leave the office! I’m overly sensitive to smells at the best of times and something about this smell just touches a nerve 😡

I had a colleague who wore the same suit day in, day out, smoked like a chimney and also tried to cover up the smoking by chewing incredibly strong smelling mint gum all the time at his desk, which didn't stop his clothes stinking of smoke and also smelled gross in itself.

I don't think there's much you can do, though.

It's disgusting why do ppl want to stink of smoke?

Also its rank when a member of staff goes out for a fag and then goes back in to serve. Must stink.

Someone in my office vapes some vile sweet cherry stuff it is sickening and clings to her, add in the over dose of gucci bamboo and she smells horrendous. I could follow her likea sniffer dog if I chose to

It is vile.
To derail, somewhat, I used to work with someone who smelled very strongly of coconut. She showered and washed her her daily with this vile concoction.
It filled the room. I could smell it in corridors, meeting rooms etc.. long after she left the space.
It made me gag.