Shawna Schuh, Presenter, Author and Consultant

Profitable People Skills

Smelling The Invisible!

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Smelling the Invisible!

By Shawna Schuh, CSP

We've all been there; a small group of people talking, sharing some laughter and anecdotes about the day when suddenly it becomes obvious that an odor is penetrating the environment, and it's not a pleasant thing.

Someone passes gas, or does an "OOPS!", and although nobody says anything, everybody knows. What should a socially successful person do in a case like this?

Option One:

Quickly excuse yourself and get away from the smell whether you did the deed or not, waving the air as you go.

Option Two:

Nonchalantly say, "Somebody's got an upset stomach!" and rock back authoritatively on your heels, watching while people look around at each other wondering who has the bad tummy.

Option Three:

Blame it on the dog (if there's one around). Loudly exclaim, "Rover has no manners! Outside with you boy!" and then leave with him quickly.

Option Four:

Twirl around really fast several times to get the air flowing and blow away the odor.

Option Five:

Divert everyone's attention away from the smell by spilling your drink, falling down, or yelling "Fire!"

Option Six:

Don't say anything, but look really uncomfortable and guilty, stopping all conversation until you feel compelled to exit the group.

No matter which option you may or may not try, there will no doubt be a time when you feel like crawling under a rock from something your body does. What's funny is that what our bodies do is part of life, part of having a body, and sometimes we don't have a say in what our bodies do. Okay, most of the time we don't have a say in what our bodies do!

From a growling stomach, to sudden odors, to sweaty palms; it's the stuff of life and that stuff happens. How do we handle it? Here are a couple of suggestions.

1. Don't do or say anything.

Since you can't help what happens in a situation like this, don't do anything except continue to have your conversation or listen to someone else as you were. When you stop suddenly or glance around, you are almost saying, "Hey, who was it?" It doesn't matter. It happened and it will go away.

2. Don't apologize.

Apologizing only brings up the unpleasantness, and sometimes when people are engaged they miss it anyway. (Especially if the fragrance someone is wearing is strong).

3. If it wasn't you don't say anything.

It is bad manners to bring up someone else's challenges. Be gracious and continue on with your conversation.

Basically, I'm saying that there is no gracious way to address flatulence and that's probably just as well, since it's one of those things that happen, goes away and is forgotten.

The only time that you may indeed need to say something is when your body does more than just let go of some pent-up gas. The times I'm talking about are when the body releases that gas with a loud POP! Or some such noise that draws attention to you.

In the case of a noise coming out of you unexpectedly just say, "Excuse me" and keep talking. I realize it's embarrassing and difficult but make light of it and you'll be fine and it will be forgotten.

Please note that laughing will add to your dilemma but usually ease the tension! I'm reminded of a friend of mine, one of the most put together, fashionable ladies I've ever known. She never has a hair out of place and is the epitome of class. Once after a long and delicious dinner and cocktails, we were in the restroom laughing and she passed gas with the tiniest little POP. She'd had just enough alcohol to loosen her reserve and she began to giggle at herself. This got her belly going and next thing we knew she was POPPING all over the place! I've never laughed so hard and I've never forgotten it.

She taught me several things that night:

1. If you laugh when you have gas you'll have more;

2. If you do laugh, make sure you laugh at yourself and with friends; and

3. Even the most glamorous and sophisticated people pass gas.

I looked through many of my resource books on etiquette and none of them carried anything about this invisible dilemma, and it's no wonder. There are certain things better left unsaid, though I'm asked about it enough, and I figured it at least needed to be written about. I hope you have odor free experiences, but if you don't you'll at least know what to do, or not to do, depending on the situation and whom you're with!

Conquer Apathy and Erase Rudeness as you follow proven, fun and beneficial information by Shawna Schuh, CSP. Specializing in communication, professionalism, service & business finesse. Shawna helps you bring your best self to the work you do for maximum results. To book Shawna to speak or for article reprinting contact Sandy McCready at 503-280-1946 or visit www.ShawnaSchuh.com.

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