My x was Hungarian. I never, ever tasted or smelled so much garlic as I did when I met his family. Now, I cook with it a lot, but I don't think I'd want to smell it a lot. Aren't there garlic supplements that don't have that pungeant an odor? Geez.

And - his reaction to your request for him to honor your feelings - insensitive. You did what program requires - say what you mean, mean what you say and don't say it mean. Thus far, it doesn't sound like he's had this lesson yet? Still doesn't mean you did anything wrong to say what you wanted and needed to me. I always appreciate folks' honesty in relationship to me. How do I know something is bothering another person without second guessing them if they won't bring their stuff to me. He'll just have to get over the fact that "Oh, NO!!!" You are someone who values herself enough to ask for what you need. Unfortunately, somebody didn't get that as well as you might have liked.

The part I have trouble with at times is accepting my As' "no" to showing consideration for my feelings and needs. I've gotten better at that but I won't stop saying what is true for me no matter how uncomfortable they might feel with what is true for me. I gave up walking on eggshells most of the time around the As in my life. Of course, that doesn't always sit well with them, and I've learned it does sit well with me. Of course, I'm not living with any of them, so this could be very different for you than it is for me?