Scent-sibilty Is Not Optional, It's Essential!

Our people often say, "looking good is good business." However, let's not overlook the fact that "smelling nice is good business too!" In fact it's a business every individual should prioritize. But it's astonishing how some individuals neglect this crucial aspect of personal grooming. How can a grown adult step out in public emitting overpowering, unpleasant odors? Gosh! It's truly baffling. Whatever happened to all these personal hygiene teachings we had while growing up?

Understandably some terrible body smells can be as a result of medical conditions like "hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), diabetes, kidney or liver disease, thyroid disorders, skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis), fungal or bacterial infections" but some are just lack of proper hygiene.

Unfortunately, some persons aren't aware of the distress their unpleasant scent causes others. For some who do, they add salt to injury by wearing overpowering fragrances, choking the hell out of somebody. Person no go see space enjoy free air again, lol.

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As someone with olfactory sensitivity, I'm easily overwhelmed by strong odors and I feel so uncomfortable around anyone who isn't scent-sible.
Handling such persons calls for tactfulness and empathy, where necessary.

If I'm in a vehicle, the least I can do is hold my breath while throwing my face away. Then I'll look for a way to spit so I don't swallow the "contaminated saliva", lol. You know the nose and mouth are connected and whatever smell you perceive finds it's way right to the mouth. Good a thing I always carry napkins so they always come to the rescue, hehehe.

Since after the Covid 19 era, I've learnt to carry nose mask around and it's been a helpful practice as I don't waste time to wear it in such situations. I can't forget the dagger-look I got from a guy one day in a Keke tricycle. Guy was looking suave and turnt up but his lacking in fragrance finesse. Immediately the smell hit me, I adjusted myself, grabbed my face mask, dabbed the two ends of my ears with my oil perfume, and that was it. I could feel his gaze on me till I got down from the Keke. The other time I was already seated in a bus and this "stinkalicious" passenger came and sat beside me. With a speed of light, I alighted and changed seats. I no dey give chance make person choke me with their body odor, abeg.

If I'm in a setting where I can easily move around, like at a party, I'm definitely creating some distance between us! No way I'm tolerating that strong odor while enjoying my party jollof rice and chicken, mbok., 🤣

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Now if it's a known person, I'll kindly make them be sware of their odor's impact on others. I'll try to find out if it was as a result of underlying health issues or out of sheer negligence to body care. If it's about health then I'll suggest they see a doctor. But if it's the latter, I'll advice they take their hygiene serious going forward. I may suggest they use some good antiperspirants, natural deodorants, perfumes that has mild and lovely scents, and antibacterial soaps.
I'll also add that they eat healthy and be mindful of the kind of foods and drinks they consume.

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I'm very much aware that a pleasant scent boosts confidence and contributes to overall well-being that's why I ensure to smell pretty good always. Luckily I don't sweat much so it's soft work for me, lol. So my simple hacks are;

• Regular bath, at least twice a day. But if I'm home, thrice or more depending on the weather. At work, once I get back from the field, I usually splash water on my face to refresh then use sprays too.

• I take lots of water to stay hydrated, eat odor-reducing and healthy foods, and fruits too.

• Once I wear a cloth out, it's going right into the washer, except for jeans and some traditional attires.

• I'm mindful of the type of soap and creams I use because some of these products contain chemical ingredients that can cause harm to the skin. Soaps with high pH levels can disrupt skin's natural pH, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth, more sweat glands and odor.
  We know all these organic, whitening soaps and creams. Some of them give direct ticket to terrible body smells, hehehe. So I always go for gentle and mild soaps and skin friendly creams. In fact I use creams that contain moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, including essential oils.

• I use body sprays and perfumes with lovely scents, pure, dry impact antiperspirants and deodorants. I always carry my small bottle oil perfume on the go so I can use it when the need arises.

• I ensure to keep my hair tidy and clean.

As I pointed earlier, smelling nice is good business. A pleasant scent can make a lasting impression. It's not just about aesthetics; smelling nice contributes to one's overall well-being and confidence. You feel good and everyone around you does same too.

I appreciate your visit, please do come again.

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This is my response to HiveNaija Weekly Prompt 71

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Still the #threadsaddict 😂

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