DEAR ABBY: My wife has a friend who rides to work with her several times a week. My wife is helping "Libby" through a difficult financial time by taking her. The problem is, Libby wears very strong perfume and appears to bathe in it rather than use it sparingly.
The passenger seatbelt and shoulder harness in my wife's car have become saturated with this smell. I have reached the point that I don't want to ride in her car. My wife complains about it as well.
Would it be rude for my wife to ask Libby to cut back or eliminate the use of the perfume? I say we have that right, but my wife is afraid it wouldn't be polite. Please help. -- HOLDING MY NOSE IN FLORIDA
DEAR HOLDING YOUR NOSE: Many people are allergic to perfumes, and others develop a sensitivity after frequent exposure. It would not be rude for her to tell Libby that the lingering scent of her perfume has made you uncomfortable -- and that she should refrain from wearing it during the commute. (She can apply it at work and ride home with someone else.)
P.S. The car may have to be professionally cleaned and detailed to get rid of (most) of the smell. You have my sympathy.