On a long flight, I found myself growing frustrated with a woman who kept putting her bare feet on my husband’s seat. I didn’t want to cause a scene, but I also didn’t want to let it slide.
After weighing my options, I came up with a subtle plan. I had a bottle of lavender essential oil in my bag—perfect for relaxation, but strong enough to be overwhelming. Whenever her feet crept back onto the seat, I opened the bottle just enough to let the scent drift her way.
At first, she wrinkled her nose and looked around. After a few more whiffs, she started whispering complaints to her friend. Eventually, she gave up and kept her feet on the floor.
It felt like a small victory—peace restored without confrontation. More than that, it reminded me how a little creativity can go a long way in dealing with everyday rudeness.
