Dear Be,
Some people are incredibly ignorant of how they are perceived by others. Perhaps no one has ever told her that those noises are repulsive & then, again, perhaps she has been told & doesnt care. Hasnt the supervisor/manager noticed this & counseled her?
Chewing on nails & cuticles is a habit & can be a stress/tension reliever. Perhaps its not a bad thing, keeps her occupied & less likely to be honking or hacking...hey, dont tell me that she can chew her nails & hack cough honk at the same time ???!!! HeHe..Sorry, couldnt resist.
Sinuses as bad as you describe are pretty awful to live with..I suppose after awhile, one gives up trying to be nice about it, if it is a 24 hr a day problem. However, her hacking snuffling routine may be nervous habit as well, an exaggeration of the underlying sinus problem. The suggestions about sinus medication was good & the neti pot is great. Plenty of fluids are needed to wash it all away, so to speak. :( Wonder if she has ever been to an Ear/nose/throat or allergy doctor? Ricola lemon herb lozenges are wonderful for soothing the back of the throat & helping with coughing from irritated throat or post nasal drips, you might want to share some with her.
You have the right to expect that at the least she cover her mouth when she coughs right at you. That is a health issue besides just common courtesy. You will have to discuss that with her face to face. Well, maybe stand back a few feet....
As far as attention, I dare say with habits like that few people are likely to get close to her. Is that what she wants , do you think? Have a feeling there is more going on than you know.
A thought...what is worse, to be in her shoes or yours? Personally, Id have to say the former, but that is me. :)
peace & joy,
holobon
