The gassy etiquette of BREAKING WIND: do we pretend it never happened in the first place?

Question

Is that the correct way to handle someone gassy in public?

What if it is a business partner, Boss, or co-Worker who is frequently and loudly gassy in your presence, as in during a meeting or presentation in front of others or in a adjoining cubicle in a small office with terrible ventilation?

Do you say to that person "take some Beano" or go to the bathroom? Do you send them a email?

Do you spray air freshners in their presence?

Light some matches?

Burn candles?

Quit?

So would it be rude for me to spray some air freshner in the air soon after the unpleasent notes of gas are heard?

Answer 1

They should try to leave the room or cubicle before it happens, but maybe it comes unexpectedly and if that is the case they should be saying excuse me. If it is the silent but deadly type and no one says excuse me and you are surrounded by more than one person's cubicle you can not assume it was that same person each time so a polite way to cover up the smells would be getting a non-spray air freshener that either just sits on a desk or gets plugged in and let the good smell mask the bad. You should be able to do so without asking if they would mind a certain scent since they did not ask you if you mind them passing gas.

Answer 2

There are a range of medical conditions and medications which make breaking wind unavoidable, particularly for people 40+. Most people will try to get to the bathroom, but sometimes (such as the middle of a meeting) it's not possible before the event 'occurs'.

In most cases, simply ignore it, you are NOT the wind police!

If the smell is offensive, just deal with it ~ but next time, suggest that it might help the atmosphere to have an open window or a small, plug-in 'diffuser' in the room, as it becomes very close with a number of people in one room for a long period of time.

As for your cubicle, you could speak directly with your supervisor and say that you don't wish to cause any embarrassment to your colleague, but you are finding the situation difficult.

Ask if you could purchase a diffuser and plug it in near your work station ~ or simply do it, discreetly. These diffusers can be picked up in any supermarket fairly cheaply, and refills can be purchased even more economically.

Candles and matches are not really practical, as they are likely to set the fire alarm and smoke detectors off in an office building, as well as posing a fire hazard.

However, for the diffuser, make sure you pick a neutral scent, or something very subtle, because many people dislike scents! A 'citrus' type smell or something like 'crisp linen' will usually go down better than 'wild orchid' or something very strong.

If a diffuser is not practical, you could always try the old fashioned rememedy of putting a pleasant smelling fragrance or substance on your handkerchief and if things get a bit 'woofy', simply pull your hankie out and discreetly inhale!

Cheers :-)

Answer 3

Anyone who is "frequently and loudly gassy" in any public forum, but particularly in a professional setting, is doing so quite deliberately and should be fired. If that's impossible because they are the boss or partner, they should be thoroughly taken to task for their piggish behavior and refused at gatherings in closed environments where people have to be exposed to such rude and obnoxious behavior. A little chat about the legal ramifications of creating an inhospitable work environment might have the desired effect!

Answer 4

The constuction worker's answer brought up a good point. In certain places, passing gas is acceptable, in others it's not. In an office, it's obviously not. Of course, it will happen now and then, but it's just rude to do it continuously around others. I had a co-worker who did that. It was horrible. Maybe you could sneak some Beano onto their desk when they're out. It might actually help them. Good luck.

Answer 5

I agree with Amber P. because all of your suggestions are just plain rude. Passing gas is a normal bodily function abeit an unpleasant one for the receivers. Another question you could have asked "what do I do when I pass gas in a public venue?". Then you can just glance at the person next to you in a knowing manner.

Answer 6

Gas is something so sensitive for many.I've been w/ my husband 8 years & only about 3 years ago was I able to do pass noisy gas in front of him & not die of humiliation.I'm sure this person has to be aware of the agony you are in but is just embarassed of what you're thinking of him/her.I would leave it alone.Someone else shares your pain as well & if they can tough it out, maybe you should, too.Much sympathy!!!

Answer 7

i think forgetting is really the best option.

you could always start casual conversation in their presence like "i used to have the worst gas until i quit eating brocolli" or something like that to maybe give them some helpful hints on how to control themeselves. right at the time it happens would be a bad idea though.

Answer 8

The rule here would be to ignore the flatulence. Honestly, the person with gas should remove themselves from the room before any of the noxious fumes can escape.

Answer 9

Welp, I work construction. When one of us lets loose, everyone in the fallout area gags and yells...the one who breaks wind is rated on how many men walked out of the room. It is status quo. The stinkiest wins...and you most definitely always take the credit for a nasty one

Answer 10

If you are the one who comitted the offense, just say "excuse me". (or, better, say nothing at all, who will know for certain it was you) If someone else does, you say nothing. And, don't spray the area. You may leave the area if you'd like. (Do you keep spray with you just in case, or matches?)