Batcat and Pele wish to thank you all. Pele meowed and Batcat leaped into my arms when I checked b.org, so I think they approve you.

(Other than grammar) edited to add: poor kitteh. They're coming to me after years of myself watching stupid cat videos and pictures online. So much to experiment with new, real life, subject matters! I predict much situationist terror experimenting. All good if they won't murder me/each other till I get the picture.

Congrats Shir! They're adorable. Don't worry, they'll quickly show you what's what.

I am not sure how am I supposed to concentrate at work when I have kitties to pet at home. I just want to hold them in my arms and tell them that they're a cat and then hold them some more and look at them doing funny faces.

yup. Pinnacle of cat ownership.

All seems to be proceeding according to plan!

Batcat and Pele are GORGEOUS. And, yep, that first week after my cats came home with me, while they and I were settling in and falling in love, my workdays went from wake, workworkwork, home, to kitties, awayfromkittieswhataretheydoingaretheyokayhowsoondoIgettogobacktokitties, KITTIES.

So many vibes to all your bits and all the work you're doing to care for yourself, askye.

Awwww, fuzzy babies! They're darling.

I am not sure how am I supposed to concentrate at work when I have kitties to pet at home.

This is one of the best things about my being able to work from home for this job. Kitty breaks!

I'm posting cats pics to my twitter account, but for those of you who do not follow, here's one more: [link]

(I feel like my whole life I've been practicing for this moment of achieving kittehs. And man, it's glorious).

Those are some gorgeous kitteh's, Shir. I'm so happy for you (and them) that you found each other.

===

I need to say something snotty and am hoping I can just leave it here. Cuz, if I don't, I will say something much worse than what has happened irl.

I have a weekly meeting with a friend during which I support her unconditionally. We share a lot of similar attitudes and an openness to learning, etc.

This friend does not wear deodorant...which I am totally fine with. My former partner did not either and I have no issue at all with the resultant smell. I would not encourage any woman to wear something known to have negative health effects.

At the same time, the odor has been so strong lately that she has actually transferred the bacteria to my client couch. In the past, I've tried to move out meeting to my dining table for this reason, and never wanted to explain why. She prefers my office...strongly...and has rejected my request to sit in the other room.

Last week, she asked where the cover to the couch went. I had taken it off because I was worried the smell would be distracting to my clients. I could still smell it across the room after midnight, after our meeting ended at noon.

I should have lied. But I was compassionately honest saying that I'm sincerely neutral about her choice...actively support it really...but I want to move the meeting to the great room...which is actually much warmer in the winter.

She just sent me an email saying she is so disturbed by my sensitivity that she can't meet me here anymore.

Head slamming on desk.

I've never lied to her before, but clearly I should have this time.

At the same time, now I'm mad. Inappropriately, I'm sure. Because I was as polite as possible but now I'm a bad person and 'too sensitive.'

What else should I have done?

You might remind her that you would have done the same had she been one of those people who douse themselves in artificial scent. People who marinate in a familiar odor often don't realize how strong it is--expensive perfume, or personal scent.

You were kind and honest, and admitted to her a fact which was having a deleterious affect on your business. You offered her a reasonable alternative, and even supported her personal choices. She's being unreasonable. Yes, it can sting to be told your grooming practices aren't adequate. But you didn't demand--even suggest--that she change them, merely that she accomodate your clientele and your livelihood.

She needs to get past the hurtbutt and acknowledge that you have a point, and that you made it as kindly as you could. Good luck.