So many people just think you're being picky about their scents. Not so! I can relate to all of the above. My wonderful MIL, God rest her soul, used to bathe in perfume. I finally had to say something (everyone else didn't want to). She finally toned it waaaaay down and all were happy - even she was ok with it. I was at JoAnn's yesterday, and they, too had the scented pine cones in the vestibule. Instant headache just passing through. Love the scent, but the feeling isn't mutual!
I've found that the reed diffusers are much more subtley scented.