How would you tell someone they smell bad??

Question

So there's this girl in my class, and she CONSTANTLY smells really bad. It's never the same smell either... No one wants to be mean and tell her, so we try to take a different approach, that doesnt seem to be working (plus its mean)...so how can I or someone else tell her that she smells really bad without sounding mean and actually FIXING the problem? (and dont tell me buy her soap or a douche...c'mon would YOU do that?!)

I know why she smells bad...she talks about her cat, and this stray cat that she took in. and thats what she smells like, is cat pee (which is VERY offensive) how would you put that into play too? if she has a cat who pisses on her clothes, itll do nothing to get her perfume or soap

Answer 1

I think it's mean not to tell her. So tell her...in private, just you and her with no one else around. Tell her it's something you alone noticed. Do not mention anybody else and do not say something like "we've all noticed..." or "everybody says....".

Tell her once then drop it. Telling her once is the right thing to do and is constructive criticism. If you continue to bring it up, she may construe it as a personal attack. Never bring up her smell again, unless she smells good...then say something like "wow, you smell nice. Is that a new perfume?".

Answer 2

You should just be honest with her. There are ways to approach it without being rude and sounding mean. That probably isnt something that is easy to do, just going up to someone and saying you really arent smelling all that good. Think about it as if you were in her shoes. How would you want someone to tell you? Are you friends with this girl or is she just a somebody of your school? Come off nice cuz well by the sounds of what you wrote and thought about doing, you dont sound to nice. Just ask her aside from everyone around and just say that you have realized that lately she hasnt been smelling the best and you didnt want to hurt her feelings but there is really no easy way to go about it.

Answer 3

I know how she feels. I have a cat and she pees on everything! So what you can tell her is i hear you have a cat. Is she ok? then she'll say yes or no. if she says no then say does she have bladder problems/ and if she says yes or i dont know then say. Whens the last time u took her 2 the vet? then shell answer u. then ask if the vet has givin her and medicine for her bladder? and if she says no then tell her that (she should know this because i know) that her clothes smell like cat pee. or you can just say is ur cat ok? well if not does she pee on ur clothes? hopefuly she''l understand. p.s. sry 4 the long answer

Answer 4

If you can send her an anonymous note or letter, that would be best. Be sure you express your ideas in a kind but firm way, and perhaps make some suggestions for improvement - recommend a particular soap or deodorant that you and your friends like. If you can identify the sources of the different smells, suggest products for each. I repeat, be neutral but kind - you are trying to help her, right?

Answer 5

how would you feel about bringing up the subject of colognes or baby powder and then bring up the subject of deoderants? how long have you known the girl? you sound as though you are her friend if you want her to change the smell she has now. i know it may seem difficult to you, but if you could try talking to her by doing it yourself in the mirror and just tell her when you are alone with her that you are not telling her this to get her upset, but to help her. after you have practiced what you want to say to her, it may go easier for the both of you.

Answer 6

The only way out without having it on your conscience is to tell her the truth. Do the right thing. If she finds it offensive, oh well. Try to calmly remind her that you're trying to be as nice as possible. Just brush it off and relize you did the right thing. But I doubt that will happen. I'm almost posotive she will be thankful, I know I would. I mean come on, wouldn't you want to know?

Answer 7

OK what I would do is go shopping and then go to bath and body works or Victoria secret the gap somewhere and look at perfume, and if she tries it on tell her she should defiantly buy it but not in the way like oh you need it SO badly though!

Answer 8

I have the same problem except she just smells like b.o. and I mean bad.. except she follows me and my friends around.. and we don't know what to do... we talk about our favorite perfumes/ and lotion all the time but she dont seem to be gettin the hint

Answer 9

You could start by telling her about really great products that are on the market and that all the girls are using it. Anyhow, Christmas is coming, it would not be mean to send her a nice little care package and say it was from Santa.

Answer 10

Listen - when I was a teenager (years ago) I would most appreciated someone being direct - and knowing that they weren't doing it out of meanspiritedness.
Yes, at that very moment I would have been mortified for a few days - but it would be better than the alterantive of people playing bullshit headgames. Just say what you mean, y'know? have that respect. but do it gently - having someone tell you that you stink is pretty rough to hear, y'know?