That's true. Probably a good idea not to be overly sensitive.

However, sometimes my friends are not as sensitive to my odor, but they are clearly embarrassed (in general) when I get reactions while we are out.

It's actually more embarrassing to see them embarrassed every time someone coughs or sighs or rubs their nose. It makes them uncomfortable. It's embarrassing and their responses are at times worse than mine (since I am use to it).

The friends who stick around anyways are pretty great, I think. Real troopers!

However, it can be annoying because usually I am trying to IGNORE the reactions of others, but since they bother those who are with me, it adds to the anxiety and awkwardness of having chronic b.o.

There is a tradeoff, though...

Because it makes them uncomfortable, they don't put me in situations that would induce more "bad reactions," which make us all uncomfortable. So, without communicating the fact that I have chronic b.o., they don't sit in overcrowded restaurants or in crowded theaters, we sit in places less crowded places and not right next to people who may be rude or react a lot.

Noverbal communication can be pretty powerful!