My new apprenticeship has me sweating pure anxiety battery acid, so I flinch away every time my boyfriend comes near me. But then I have to watch him comfortably hug our coworker friend right in front of me?! Today I found clinical antiperspirant samples shoved in my gym bag that he clearly got from *her*. Am I supposed to be humiliated or furious?

First off: put down the pitchfork and take a breath. You aren’t being replaced; you’ve just been subjected to the most awkward, clumsy covert hygiene rescue mission in relationship history. Here is what’s happening in your armpits: first-job panic triggers your apocrine glands. That’s stress sweat, which skin bacteria feast on like a cheap buffet, instantly creating that pungent kick. You flinched away, he felt shut out, and while he hugged your coworker simply because she didn't dodge him like a live grenade, his brain was frantically scheming how to get close to you again. He didn't flirt with her; he tapped her for heavy-duty sweat-blockers to spare your feelings. Clumsy? Yes. Malicious? Zero percent. Next step: put that clinical antiperspirant on *at night* on completely dry skin—that’s when your sweat ducts actually absorb it without stinging. Then look him in the eye and say: "Next time you stage an undercover deodorant intervention, just tell me you miss holding me." Try the sample tonight, wash off the shift, and go claim your hug.