Thoughtfulness and Sensitivity

Fourth carryover post...

Everybody has their own idea of what happens to them after they die.  Most people believe in a utopian paradise in which everything is perfect, in one way or another, and everybody gets along.  No matter what you believe though, one thing is for certain, on this side of forever we must still interact with people that are different and may not have the same attitudes as we do. 

Let's face it.  People can be irritating, annoying, and inconsiderate.  Allow me to give an example that maybe most people wouldn't even think of.  Allergies.  Most people have an allergy to something.  Usually, it's to something like pollen.  It's nothing seriours, but it can be more than annoying.  There are more serious allergens such as peanuts, other foods, and medications that can be debilitating or even life threatening.  And then there are allergens caused be people.

Some people are allergic to perfumes, colognes, hair sprays, and other artificially scented products.  It can cause headaches, migrains, nausea, and just a feeling of "ickiness".  Most people don't realize the strength of the scent that they are using it because they have become desensitized to it.  But for people who have allergies to things substances, it can be overwhelming.  Now, nobody can tell you what to wear or not wear, and what to use or not use.  I'm not going to write here that if you use perfume that you're a bad person and you should stop using perfume.

Here is where the thoughtfulness and sensitivity come in.  These are things that should be applied in a private setting, like in your home.  When you spray or dab on a heavily scented substance (and yes, it is almost always heavier than you think), it permeates the environment you are in.  If you are around other people, there could be somebody that has an allergy to these scents, and it could make them sick.  Think of it this way.  If you had an allergy to pollen.  Would you like it if I were to can pollen and spray it around you?  Probably not.  It's the same thing for some people and fragrences.  Try to think of other people when doing something.  This is especially true if you work with somebody and they have let you know about their allergy.  Try putting yourself in their shoes.  How would you feel? 

Thinking of others is something we should really try to do in other areas as well.  How would you feel in somebody's situation?  It's as the golden rule says, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  Likewise, "don't do to others what you wouldn't want done to you."