Kevin Hillier says there are smells . . . and there are smells
Our sense of smell is one of our great gifts. It allows us to appreciate many things, like freshly baked bread, onions on a barbecue, flowers, cut grass, the ocean and each other.
The last point can be both good and bad, as I find body odour one of the most repulsive smells.
Many years ago, a delivery man came to my house and assembled a bed I’d bought. It took days to get his offensive smell out of the room. I had a co-worker who shared a small office with me and it was like a wave of yuck rolled over you every time you opened the door. I found a lot of excuses not to be in the office.
What to do? Obviously these people have no idea they smell or they’d do something about it … wouldn’t they? Subtle hints don’t work and spraying creates a vomit-inducing mix of perfume and stench. You risk offending the person if you confront them, and if you do it on your own the reaction is: “Well, no one else has said anything,” making you out as the bad guy. As a rule, just keep your smells (some I haven’t detailed here) to yourself and we’ll all be happy.
Social media can do good
As I have written before, social media is a wonderful tool when used correctly and a vicious nuisance when abused. The current plight of the dairy farmers is a classic example of people being informed via social media about a situation on which they can make a direct impact. Don’t buy no-name cheap milk; buy the locally produced brands and make a stand.
Judging by my recent trips to the supermarket, it seems we’re voting with our pockets. The name brands are difficult to find and there’s a truckload of no-name cheapies available.
Is this because we’re buying to show our support, or are supermarket staff not restacking the name section until the no-name is sold out? If it comes to light that not restacking is a directive from management, it will not play out well for the supermarkets. Public sympathy is already overwhelmingly in support of the farmers.
Have you changed what you buy? My family has and will continue to do so. ■
If you have any news or events, let me know at kevin@howdypartnersmedia. com.au
