A Fight Against Excessive Sweating

Meet a resilient 68-year-old woman grappling with extreme hyperhidrosis, particularly on her head, brought on by menopause. Employed at a garden center, she recently found herself in a dual battle: managing her medically-induced condition as well as facing insensitive remarks from co-workers and customers.

The Daily Struggle: Hurtful Remarks

Despite her best efforts—creams, sprays, pills, and even Botox injections—her condition persists. The sweat is a constant presence, leading to awkward situations at work. Jokes about the weather or comments on how hard she looks are typically met with a polite smile, but each remark feels like another jab at her dignity. The frustration is palpable. She wonders how to address this behavior without risking her job or alienating colleagues.

Advice: The No-Touch Rule on Bodies

In a candid response, the advice column reminds everyone that workplace body comments are off-limits. If folks want to talk about their health or appearance, let them initiate. The column suggests a simple yet effective response: when coworkers comment on her sweating, she can say, It’s just a skin thing, and steer the conversation elsewhere. For persistent offenders, a direct request to change topics could be a necessary step.

Navigating Customer Interactions

Customers pose a different challenge due to their lack of awareness about her condition. Instead of confronting them, she could reassess their concern and say, I’m fine! How can I assist you? The article emphasizes recognizing that not all customers will understand her condition, especially when they’re in a relaxed mood and excited about gardening.

In the Name of Respect

The article drives home an essential message: everyone deserves respect at the workplace, regardless of their appearance or medical condition. Despite the insensitive remarks, the woman is contributing to others' joy in their gardening endeavors.

Join the Conversation

For anyone facing similar situations at work, the advice column encourages sharing your stories and asking for guidance. There’s strength in community support.