i think i stink too but I'm used to my own smell.

but it took me a long time to realize smelling others' (mostly strangers') breath and b.o. has been causing me background stress and using up my spoons, probably since birth.

especially if someone acts insensitive or straight up assholian, even breathing the same air as them feels demeaning and like defeat.

so I'm finding it hard to take my mask off permanently (or semi-perm) even though i have all the vaccines that medicine allows.

the problem is that i can barely breathe with n95 (or kn95) and it makes everything physically hard. but not wearing it makes everything mentally harder.....

should i talk to my therapist about it? med Dr? or both?

edit: forgot to mention, cologne/perfume, lotion, fabric softener, etc also bother me. certain shampoos seem ok, i don't know why. sandalwood (like east Asian incense) is ok too.

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[–] 1 point 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 child)

Try making or buying a well fitting cloth mask, not as protective as n95 but much more breathable and still helps, add a few drops of essential oil like a thieves oil blend and feel like a plague doctor.

Edit:re:edit: you may have an issue with the artificial scents, definitely give essential oils a go but make sure you're getting quality and real oils, Walmart for example has adulterated/fake oils.

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