Dear Reverend, I work in a fairly small office that has an open kitchen. For years, we’ve had an unwritten rule that nobody microwaves fish because it stinks up the place. A new person started about three months ago, and they have done it twice so far. Everyone has been annoyed by it, but nobody has said anything. How do we get this person to stop without making them feel bad? Olaf Actori (man, 42) Dear Olaf Actori, Microwaving fish is high on the list of Top 10 Office Crimes. You’d think everyone would know that by now, but apparently your new coworker missed the memo. Why does microwaved fish smell so bad? Fish contains oils and fatty acids that can oxidize when heated. Microwaves cook things with an intensity that can speed this process and cause strong, unpleasant odors. The compounds released during heating can also cling to the inside of the microwave, leaving a lingering smell long after the fish is gone. It’s downright awful to subject innocent office workers to such a thing. Although it can be awkward to talk to someone about personal preferences such as food, when it affects everyone in the room, someone has to take one for the team. It ought to be a manager, boss or HR person, but if nobody in your office falls into one of those categories, it may as well be you. You could put up a “NO FISH” sign by the microwave, but that’s rather passive-aggressive. Your best bet is a direct yet casual approach. Don’t bring it up around a bunch of other people. Catch the new person when it’s just the two of you, and let them know that the office has “a thing” about microwaving fish. I doubt your new coworker will be upset — it’s more likely they’ll be glad to learn of this fishy faux pas. Unwritten rules aren’t rules unless everybody knows them, so while you’re at it you can fill in the newcomer on other office do’s and don’ts that may not be obvious. You know, like Joanne gets peeved if you grab a coffee and don’t ask her if she wants one. Getting the lowdown will make the new hire feel less like a newbie and more like part of the team. Good luck and God bless, The Reverend…