Pregnant Co-Worker Calls Out Fellow Employee Over The Smell Of His Cologne, Drama Ensues 2026

When OP arrived at the office, everything seemed normal. He was a professional individual who enjoyed a touch of cologne as part of his daily routine. However, unknown to him, this seemingly casual choice would ignite a chain of events that would drive a wedge between coworkers and create divisions among the Reddit community’s AITA forum.

Source: u/Werty_Rebooted

#1) Workplace disputes!

#2) OP begins talking about an incident from a few years back, detailing the layout of his office. Two coworkers were pregnant and one of them refused to sit with her department and texted OP about his cologne.

#3) The coworker and OP have a chat where she tells him to stop wearing cologne or change seats with someone else.

OP explains that he typically found himself seated near two pregnant colleagues, one of which is being referred to as PC. (Pregnant Coworker). Although PC was relocated to another department, she remained devoted to her previous seat near OP. One morning, as OP settled into their routine, a message from PC abruptly popped up on his screen questioning whether OP was wearing cologne. OP confirmed that he was. A brief but fraught conversation that ensued and conveyed a palpable sense of tension. PC expressed her aversion to OP’s cologne usage during office hours, urging him to refrain from the fragrance. Sympathetic yet steadfast in his decision, OP offered an alternate cologne choice, yet it received PC’s disapproval again. OP presented an amicable resolution, offering to help PC relocate, but that too was declined. Ultimately OP decided to proceed with their cologne choice, disregarding PC’s complaints.

After a brief but tense argument, the question that remains is: Could OP have done something different? Was the refusal to consider their co-worker’s cologne sensitivity an act of selfishness or standing their ground? Keep on reading to see the whole story!

#4) The coworker refused to move even when OP tried to help. OP didn’t stop using cologne.

#5) OP mentions that he might be a little biased towards this coworker.

Reddit’s online community seems to have a split opinion on who is at fault during the cologne situation. On one side, commenters have criticized OP’s seemingly lack of regard for the smell sensitivity of others, especially pregnant co-workers who may be more prone to harsh smells. They’ve emphasized that shared spaces like offices should, by default, be scent-free so everyone can feel comfortable. On the other hand, some commentators have defended OP, arguing that as long as they weren’t overdoing it with the cologne, their actions were reasonable and also that his coworker was very rude and acted entitled. They also pointed out PC could easily change desks and move to be with her own department but refused to do so. Here’s what Reddit users commented:

#6) Hmm, that’s a good point. A little less cologne would be good.

Via bibliob*tch

#7) This is true! Where she was sitting wasn’t even where she was supposed to be.

Via Kimbahlee34

#8) Many people have allergies too, closed environments make it hard.

Via 9for9

#9) Yeah, the coworker could have been more nice about it instead of just expecting OP to pack it up because she was pregnant.

Via istara

#10) That’s definitely a major point in the story.

Via OilSeeYouL8er

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