Wearing cologne/perfume in the theatre... — Page 2

Weez...you don't even know me so I'm not sure why you dislike me or would not wish to be next to me in the theatre. I do not even wear cologne because it gives me a headache, but I still go to the theatre and smell it on people and it's just a part of life. As I said before, it has nothing to do with consideration. People should learn how to apply cologne/perfume correctly...meaning in moderation, not taking a bath in it, but that's beside the point. If people are allergic to the smell of cologne or perfume then they shouldn't go to the theatre if it's going to cause them such severe health problems that they can't stay in their seat. Being considerate is a two way road, and one can't expect everyone to adhere to everyones allergy. I can't stand the smell of hairspray, it makes me sick to my stomach, so should I ask the person setting next to me to be considerate and go to the bathroom and wash out their hair? I think not. I'd just have to shrug and let the show go on!

With certain fragrances, my allergies will first make me sneeze uncontrollably. Then my lungs gunk up and I'll cough. Lots.

So go ahead and wear your perfume so you can feel pretty. I'll be the one sitting near you whom you've directly caused to interrupt your entire evening, sniffling, sneezing, coughing and throat clearing. I'll probably also have to unwrap cough drops, too. If you're lucky, I'll be behind you, sneezing on you and your offensive odor.

Unless there's another seat available, in which case I'll politely ask the house manager if I can move. The house is always very accommodating.

Enjoy that good health while you have it, Monkeyboy. Here's hoping you never develop an illness that might actually force you to have empathy since you can't summon up sympathy.

Honestly. Reread your last post and tell me you don't sound like an ignorant, selfish, entitled ass.

I've got news for you, kid. You're the only person who thinks a lot of cologne makes you smell *good*...

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Just as it is one's responsibility to know what is in any given dish if they have sensitive food allergies, the same goes for scent allergies. It is not up to the purveyor of the scent, but the person with the allergy to be weary.

As I stated before, IMO cologne/perfume in moderation is never a problem and anything taken to an extreme is obnoxious even to those lacking an allergy. I'm sure those who have ridden in the cabs of overzealous cologne wearing cabbies can agree.

So if you shower you don't perspire?

"Just as it is one's responsibility to know what is in any given dish if they have sensitive food allergies, the same goes for scent allergies. It is not up to the purveyor of the scent, but the person with the allergy to be weary."

Interesting typo, logan. I'm sure the sufferers are weary (surely you meant wary) of having to be constantly vigilant regarding their health, since others are so insensitive to their plight.

Your analogy is a poor one. Those with food allergies can choose what they eat. Those who are allergic to strong scents can avoid going into flower shops, or candle stores, or any other place like that, but can't choose who they sit next to. You have a choice. They don't.

And for the record, I couldn't care less whether the person sitting next to me has just downed two shots of bourbon and smoked a cigar after running a marathon, while wearing Le Bleu Heuer, thank god, because I can tolerate it. Some people can't and they shouldn't have to be confined to a bubble because some people think they smell better wearing something artificial.

eta: the definition of purveyor:

pur·vey·or [ pər váy ər ] (plural pur·vey·ors)
noun
Definition:
1. somebody circulating something: a supplier, seller, or circulator of something, especially something that is disapproved of or ridiculed

ie: a purveyor of cheap gossip

Updated On: 1/4/09 at 08:26 PM

Be sure to put out the word not to eat anything with garlic in it before the show too. Even a little wiff of it on your clothes or breath MIGHT cause someones throat to swell up. So, basically...don't eat, drink (don't want anyone to smell booze if they are recovering alchaholic, or if the smell of it just makes them feel sick!), dont't wash your clothes in anything but scent free detergent, use non-smelling soap, lotion, hair products, no cologne/perfume, no deodorant, don't eat anything with peanuts or soy milk in it AT LEAST 6 hours before the show in case the smell causes someone with a peanut allergy to die...what else should we add to our list for theatre no-nos? Oh, I get really scared when around a lot of people. Like...seriously. I feel like I can't breathe. Is it wrong for me to request a seat that is away from everyone else in a private area? Maybe backstage, perhaps? Or they could clear out an entire row for me, free of charge, to meet my mental health needs! You have to be considerate, ya know! Why shouldn't I be able to enjoy the theatre because of my panic attacks?

Updated On: 1/4/09 at 09:40 PM

I already stated that I don't wear cologne. And no, I'm not being an ass. I'm just being reasonable and not expecting people to be scentless just because a select few are VERY allergic to certain smells. If they can't handle things like being around a group of people in a tight seating space where some may be wearing something smelly, then they should stay home, or buy extra seats so they are not around anyone else. I can only imagine how these people live when they are so allergic to smells. How do they go out for dinner? How do they survive at their office job?! Do they go dancing, and if so, do they request everyone at the club to be scent-free too? If you can't handle life, one should end it all or just deal.

Updated On: 1/4/09 at 10:33 PM

Well, when I decide to go backstage at the opera I will be sure not to wear anything smelly. And once again, I'm not being an ass. Just pointing out the truth that people should stop being babies and stay home if they are too allergic to cologne/perfume. Going to the theatre and setting side by side with people who may be wearing something that could make you sick should be a red flag that this activity might not be for you.

Yes, I'm a real piece of work. But you love me for it.

FlyingMonkey1223 - Your ignorance is appalling.

It's bad enough to be chemically sensitive we don't need people like you to say "deal with it." Obviously you have NO understanding for the seriousness of the situation. This is not just something that makes some people get a headache, they can become very ill. I don't appreciate how you are trying to make it the person with the illness' fault.

Granted, if I go to a theatre and someone is wearing perfume/cologne, *I* will be the one that has to move, not them. That is fair, it is not that persons fault at all.

That being said, I do think there should be some rule in place at theatres and concerts to NOT wear heavy perfume. A LOT of elderly just put so much on, and I just about keel over.

A lot of people don't understand the allergic reaction. *I* can't even get a magazine in the store (besides a tabloid) because a lot of them have purfume ads.

PEOPLE Magazine put a notice in their magazine that if you would like to subscribe without the purfume ads to just let them know. So, I decided that I would just subscribe, I call up and explain the situation, the lady had NO CLUE. I kept explaining the seriousness of my allegic reaction and that I didn't want purfume ads, and she didn't get it at all. She's like "what do you mean Purfume ads?"

I told her, nevermind and hung up before signing up.

It just shows you that most people don't understand how serious this is for some people.

I guess I'll stick to reading the tabloids. haha