I’ve been an intern at a respectable firm for a few months, trying to make a good impression, and everything was going well. But then a new coworker joined the team. My coworker always takes off her shoes at work and prefers to go barefoot. Initially, I didn’t think much of it, but the fragrance strikes you like a wall as soon as you step in. It was literally terrible. To make matters worse, we shared the same desk, and I could tell that the people seated around were similarly uncomfortable. Yet no one said anything.

At first, I tried to offer subtle signals. “Wow, it’s very cold in here, is it? I’d say, “Perfect weather for cozy shoes,” thinking she’d get the point. However, she didn’t. The odor continued, and the awkwardness in our area increased. After a few days of silent suffering, I felt I needed to approach the problem openly, but I wanted to be gentle about it. I approached her at a calm period. I requested her respectfully to keep her shoes on while she worked. “I know heels can be uncomfortable, but that’s why I usually wear flats in the office,” I added, trying to be compassionate.

She merely stared at me, confused, and said, “Why does it matter?” I tried to be diplomatic, saying, “It just makes me uncomfortable to see bare feet at work.” Her response was stern, “Then don’t look.” I was taken aback and felt compelled to bring up the major issue. I calmly replied, “It’s not just about that.” There’s also an awful odor, which could be easily avoided if you kept your shoes on.”

That’s when things became heated. She became really defensive. Then she snapped, “My feet do not smell. “Perhaps you have a sensitive nose.” She then threatened to contact HR if I kept “harassing” her about it.  I was stunned by her reaction and decided to let it go, hoping the matter would blow over. But the story didn’t end there. The next day, I was shocked when HR told me that my colleague had lodged a formal complaint against me.

My supervisor was also brought into it. Later that day, during a team huddle, my supervisor made a general announcement reminding everyone to be respectful of colleagues’ personal choices and space, which felt clearly directed at me, prompted by her complaint. My colleague made sure others were aware she had reported me, and I felt publicly humiliated. It was strongly implied that I had overstepped. I regretted bringing it up at all.

A week later, things took another turn. I opened my email and was surprised to see a new company-wide initiative: employees could submit anonymous suggestions to improve the workplace dress code via the company platform. Most ideas were straightforward, like relaxing the tie requirement or allowing casual Fridays.

However, one suggestion stood out—it proposed banning barefoot behavior in the office. To my surprise, it gained an overwhelming number of likes and comments in support. My colleague, absolutely convinced that I had submitted the suggestion, confronted me angrily. “Why are you trying to humiliate me?” she demanded.

I assured her I had nothing to do with it, but she didn’t believe me. The situation became so uncomfortable that she avoided me entirely. The irony? The anonymous suggestion’s popularity seemed to embarrass her far more than my initial quiet request ever did. By the following week, she started wearing flats to work, without waiting for any official policy change.

So, even though my colleague is now wearing shoes to work and the “stench” has subsided, there is now major awkwardness between us. It feels like several others from my team are also a bit uncomfortable around me now. Did I do something wrong by voicing my opinion? Should I apologize to try and clear the air? I’m really in a bind and don’t know how to fix the atmosphere. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.”