For those of you who don’t know, I am a computer applications instructor. And lately, I’ve noticed that I am not as paranoid about something as I used to be. You see, in January I left the classroom behind to make computer training videos for Train Signal, Inc. I’m still teaching the same material (Microsoft Office applications), but I don’t have the face-to-face interactions I used to have with students. It’s true…I do miss that aspect of the job, but what I don’t miss is the constant worrying about how I may or may not smell to students.

Now, for all you olfies, worrying about one’s own odor is common among anosmics. But, I think I was a bit more paranoid than most. I mean think about it. If you were to lean over someone’s computer to point at a computer screen…where is your armpit? That’s right. When I was teaching in the classroom my armpit met the faces of oh so many! And to make matters worse, in addition to anosmia I also have what known as “hyperhidrosis,” which basically means I sweat all the time…my armpits, my feet, my hands, etc. Yep, junior high was a horrible time for living! It could be ten below and I’d still have sweat marks on shirts (really, I’m not that unattractive…).

I’ve learned to cope for the most part. I shower every day. I use deodorant religiously. I never wear a shirt or bra twice. I only buy clothes that don’t show water marks (I wear a lot of black). I also have a pretty reliable group of friends who tolerate the question “Do I smell?” without batting an eye.

So, yes, overall I am very thankful for my new job sitting in my own office where the nearest person is two closed doors away.