ArcaMax

His wife was surprised, because she doesn't notice it -- probably from smelling it all the time -- and my husband was shocked that I brought it up.

I would usually not be so forthcoming, but week after week we are sharing an enclosed space, and I think I have the right to breathe clean air in class.

Amy, what is a person to do in this situation? Was I wrong to say anything?

-- Perturbed Yogi

Dear Perturbed: You weren't wrong to say anything about this overpowering scent, but the way you chose to speak up -- waving your hand, and in a parking lot in front of both spouses (and possibly others) -- seems unnecessarily rude.

In my (limited) experience taking yoga classes, the instructor gently controls the atmosphere in the room. A word to the instructor might have been more appropriate, because she or he could have spoken to the man privately, while also reminding the entire class (publicly) that strong scents affect all participants.

Dear Amy: I found your sappy answer to "Maybe Auntie" to be typically shallow and judgmental. It's easy for you to insist that this woman should love a baby possibly not related to her, but why should she?

I think many readers feel like I do, that there is no reason to "love" a child who isn't even related, and who she might not even have a relationship with.

-- Disappointed

Dear Disappointed: The point I was trying to make in my sappy answer to "Maybe Auntie" is that any of us can make a choice to try to love another person. There is simply no downside to this.

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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)