I cannot defend the angry traveller’s rage, but I can understand her anger.
Being forced to endure other people’s stinky food is unpleasant.
And in an office there is often no escape from folk who seem to feel it necessary to chow down on their hot breakfast, lunch or tea at their desk.
I have always assumed it is done by people who feel the need to prove that they are so busy they can not spare five minutes away from their work-station.
Do not get me wrong, I am often guilty of eating a sandwich at my desk.
But it is the hot meal munchers that spread an odour across the office that can often be quite unpleasant.
I have in the past felt compelled to ask colleagues to take their malodorous meals away, and when alerted to the smell they have apologised and moved to a kitchen area to finish their repast.
But we should all be more considerate of fellow workers without needing to be reminded.
The fact that major organisations such as the FCA and KPMG have to send warning messages to staff suggests that the problem is pretty widespread.
Indeed, talking to fellow journalists about the issue, one reported a similar unpleasant toilet experience being experienced at the offices of a national news group.
What drives people to such anti-social behaviour?
One colleague reckons it could be the actions of highly pressured workers who do not have an adequate outlet of expression at their jobs.
Consequently they turn to anonymous scatological protests.
I am not sure about that, but it is good to highlight objectionable behaviour to help remind us all what is acceptable at work.
With that in mind it is time for me to admit to my own bad behaviour in a workplace.
Many years ago I used to play football in the office with some of the other reporters after our publication had been put to bed.
Such high-jinks seemed fun and were certainly an enjoyable outlet after the stresses of the day.
But I know now that the behaviour was reprehensible.
What bad behaviour, if any, have you got up to in the office?
Simon Read is a freelance journalist
