DEAR ERIC: I recently spent the night with an old friend. We had a 50-year anniversary visit. We are thrilled to be reunited. My friend went out of her way to make me welcome and comfortable in her home overnight. That included washing the bed linens having used fabric softener and/or dryer sheets. The bed was overwhelmingly perfumed by these products to the extent that I was coughing and effectively lost a night‘s sleep.

The opportunity exists to spend more time in the future in her home, however, I cannot sleep in her guest room with those chemicals in play. How do you suggest I approach this one?

– No Aromas, Please

DEAR AROMAS: The easiest way is probably to bring your own sheets/linens if you have the space in your luggage. And it’s fine to mention it in advance. “I’m sensitive to

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