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The Soulful Stench
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I'd never smelled anything more horrible in my life– and I've driven the 358! I've walked through LA's skid row. I've strolled down the alleys of the wrong part (more like wrong half, let's be honest here) of Napoli. This took the cake. The Breda bus had a huge driver's side window, and I put every inch of it to use, barely able to keep from vomiting. I'm ashamed to say I described the smell as "poop death" in relaying the story to others, as I could come up with no more accurate adjective.
How do you politely tell someone they smell awful?
He was a big man, twice my weight and a head taller. In one hand was a full-size plastic chair which he carried as though it were a paperback book. He might have been forty, dark-skinned American, clad in a large black top with a scarf of sorts wrapped about his neck. He had kind eyes.
[The rest of this story is in my new book!]
How do you politely tell someone they smell awful?
He was a big man, twice my weight and a head taller. In one hand was a full-size plastic chair which he carried as though it were a paperback book. He might have been forty, dark-skinned American, clad in a large black top with a scarf of sorts wrapped about his neck. He had kind eyes.
[The rest of this story is in my new book!]
For readers new to the blog, here's the BMW dog doo post Deb is referring to:
http://www.nathanvass.com/the-view-from-nathans-bus/fecal-and-philosophical-matters
Thank you so much. If I can make someone feel better for five minutes, feel respected or acknowledged or just plain human, it's as large an accomplishment as I'm able to imagine. Thanks so much for reading, but moreso for the great perspectives you both have.
In any event - I did often wonder what drivers do (or can do) about passengers that...have an aroma...there's been times someone has gotten on and the bus empties out at the next available stop (I'll admit I've done it...and waited for the next bus) because the smell is so bad. It's a touchy subject!
I've never gotten a satisfactory answer on what to do, or more specifically, how to tell someone they smell horrible to the point of being a hygienic danger to others and especially the driver. Sometimes I've told people "their clothes" don't smell too good, etc, or jumped off the bus with them as above; I suppose the worst-case scenario would be calling the coordinator for assistance in removing them when they don't cooperate with the driver's request– although convincing the coordinator you're stopping service for that reason would be difficult.
Rod
Ps you could ask for a supervisor to meet your coach to talk to the passenger about their odor/sanitation. Keep it rolling n pass along info in a respectful way.
Thank you. This is very helpful information to receive, regarding asking for a supervisor in such a situation. Also, wow- what a powerful moment in Madrona indeed! I'll be remembering that one. Here's to keeping that muscle alive!