Allow me to preface with the fact that her and I are good office friends. In other words, we talk pretty much every day on the phone, text, teams, etc. to discuss files we are working on, complaining about our colleagues and leadership and all of that. we have great rapport, and respect one another to a high degree.

The problem is that she keeps inviting me over to her place for dinner, drinks, swimming at the lake, etc.. She’s also made some comments and suggestions that her and I might hook up. Okay, that’s not the problem, but the real problem is that she is an indoor chain smoker and has a 5 indoor cats and a dog. When at the office she always has a kind of tobacco/animal odor on her clothes.

To be completely honest, she would be a lot of fun to hang out with, but I just don’t want to be around that many animals. I used to be a chain smoker but I quit by convincing myself that I hated the smell of cigarettes. Being around that many animals with the smoky air inside the house would just stress me out and trigger some major anxiety.

She loves her animals, like they’re her children. She has one son, but he’s grown and out of the house now. I’m 100% convinced if I say I can’t come over because of her smoking, and or animals that she would be hurt, and I wouldn’t dream of hurting such a nice person.

Last night she was having a beverage or two while on the phone with me. I’m thinking she will invite me over again……what the hell can I say to her ?!?