My Friend stinks, how can i tell him that??

Question

I have this friend who is working with me and he really stinks i mean i can smell him from a mile or something and last week it was a shock for me to know that he is moving his desk into my office so he will be setting in the same room as mine... I can't take his smell AT ALL! It's very , eeeeewwwwwww, so his b-day is next Thuresday so im thinking to buy him as a gift collection of deodorant, perfumes & shower gels...What do you think shall i do?

Answer 1

The answer is simply: gentle confrontation. There is not a comfortable way of bringing personal hygiene to someone's attention. My philosophy is that no one can correct a problem unless he/she knows the problem. And it really is not fair for people to talk behind the person's back. Hygiene issues often alienate colleagues and customers, leading to many undesirable consequences. By confronting the person you are being honest with them, and you want to help. "I need to talk with you about an issue that is somewhat difficult to discuss. Frankly, I am uncomfortable bringing it up, but as your friend, I feel that I should. I have noticed that there is a rather unusual odor about your body [breath]. This might indicate a medical problem. I wanted you to be aware of it." If they react negatively, you could suggest they talk to their physician. If they ask if others have complained, be honest and say that a few have mentioned it. Do not give names because that will create another set of problems. Gentle confrontation is the fair and only answer.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Answer 2

i would pull him aside and have a talk with him. and if that does not work tell your boss and then the 2 of you have a talk with him. personal hygiene is necessary to a healthy work environment. some people have a natural odor though. those people could take 10 showers and still smell. just ask him to remedy the situation before you slap him in the face with a gift box of "your an offensive stink bomb" perfumes.

Answer 3

Talk to your supervisor. Some people just can't smell themselves. A gift card to a place like Bath & Body works would be better than handing them a bottle of deodorant. You might look into getting a personal air purifier too for your space.

Answer 4

Covering up body odors with chemicals as perfumes, will make the body odor smell worse.deodorants and shower gels are fine but he may not use them if he hasn't been bathing at all.
Hopefully he Will shower after receiving the gels and deodorant.
if he doesn't talk to him....take the risk and explain why he needs to shower and keep clean..

Answer 5

I don't think buying him soap or deodorant will help the problem. Most people have access to those types of things.

There is no nice way to tell someone they stink, but you'd definitely be doing the guy a favor by letting him know.

Answer 6

If you can smell him, I'm sure others can, too. I think this is something your supervisor should handle. The guy might get angry if you tell him. Since you will have to share an office, just tell your supervisor his hygiene is bad, and the odor is very offensive. Your supervisor should be able to talk to him without mentioning any names.

Answer 7

Go for it or you will be miserable having to sit by him.

Cat D has a great idea if he does not take the hint and use the gift set you give him. Personnel should be able to do this without telling him who complained.

Answer 8

If you're really good friends, you should be able to just tell him without offending him. Otherwise, go ahead and give him the gift you are planning to give him. Maybe he'll wise up and use them.

Answer 9

This might be a job for the manager/supervisor to handle. You could just discreetly mention to the supervisor that it will be difficult for you to work with this person. The supervisor can talk to him.

Answer 10

If it is unbearable I would talk to my superiors, there should be something in the handbook about personal appearance and hygiene. I would refuse to be in the same office if it is that bad.