Bees are actually very friendly, they won't go out of their way to sting you unless you provoke them. Getting caught in your shirt will make them panic which leads to stinging, though.
It's wasps you freak out and run from, especially Yellow Jacket's as they show no mercy. Although i can understand she wouldn't want to take the risk of being stung, just incase.
Actually it's more Yellow Jackets, (Female) Cicada Killers (males have no stinger), Hornets (especially bald faced hornets, **** those psychotic flying death machines) mainly that you have to worry about. Just an FYI if you ever see a huge nest up in the air, stay the hell away from it, don't spray it, call a professional, if it is a bald faced hornet nest nothing you do will not make you a target, seriously those lil bastards are smart and will sting the ever living crap out of you. Paper wasps and mud daubers are actually relatively docile and won't come after you. (Source: Former Terminex Pest tech)