If someone has noticeable body odor. Do I have the right to tell them to move away?

[Col1]

I've arrived to the movie theater and found my preferred seating area. Then much later someone walks in, sits down nearby me with their clothes stinking of one of the following:

 

-cigarette smoke,

-drenched in sweat from the summer heat,

-haven't showered or changed clothes in days and can smell urine stench on clothes,

-has cat/dog smell all over their clothes,

-put on way too much of a very strong cologne/perfume,

 

Do I (and others around me) have the right to tell the stinking person to move away to another seat because their offensive odor? Or do I need to move?

[Candy_Pants]

Move somewhere else. If you want, say something, but I think it's rude (to be that stinky and to say something about it to a stranger).

 

If it's a friend or someone you know, tell them.

[gaius]

I think it's just part of the deal, like with riding the subway. You have to put up with it. I'll take a stinker over some dude who won't stop coughing any day.

[regine_phalange]

Oh, I wouldnt have the guts to tell them. But at some point they would notice on their own, since everyone who would sit next to them would move away after 2 minutes.

[Ronni_W]

Do I (and others around me) have the right to tell the stinking person to move away to another seat because their offensive odor?

No, you (and others around you) really don't have the right, entitlement to say, "Hey, you over there...my comfort and sense of what's right and proper on this planet is more accurate and important than yours...get the heck outta the sphere of what I can sense, perceive!"

 

It doesn't necessarily feel like that when one's in the middle of it...but that's what it is, nevertheless.

[todreaminblue]

no it isnt right to tell, a friend or family member yes not a stranger you move if you arent comfortable......and have a reason to move.....say ooh forgot my bag......ooh left the car door open i think i better check....sort of a soliloquy of compassion......to make them feel alright about themselves...deb

[AnneT1985]

I agree with everyone else. Don't say anything unless the person is really close to you. Just politely move away

[Lipitor11]

If its a stranger, I would just move. Most likely someone who is bold will tell them they stink.

[D-Lish]

I would just move somewhere farther behind them and then throw peanuts at them from the back of the theatre.

 

JK. I once had an old dude sit beside me on a street car- and he kept blowing his nose in his hand and wiping it on his jeans. I was horrified- and I definitely said something.

[pink_sugar]

No, but you can move.