my co worker is super nice; however, she always smells bad. I don't want to hurt her feelings but i do want it to stop stinking around the office. what should i do?
2007-02-16 12:41:14 · 28 answers · asked by infinitefair 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Singles & Dating
If she smells like fish it is a medical disorder that she can't help. If it's just plain body odor or ped odor or something then get someone that doesn't like her or that has no problem being mean to tell her, but make sure you tell them to tell her in a nice way and privately. I wouldn't have the guts to do it. If you don't think telling her would change it then just don't tell her. It won't be worth the trouble.
2007-02-16 12:45:57 · answer #1 · answered by HereIAm 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First figure out, what it is about her that causing her to stink. Is it Body Odor? Like maybe she doesn't wear deodrant (people from certain foreign countries don't). Or maybe she uses a deodrant (which basically covers the smell) as oppose to an anti-perspirant (which actually stops a person from sweating and releasing the smells that come from your armpit).
Write her an Anonymous, polite note, on nice stationary, put it in a sealed envelope addressed to her. Make sure the letter inside is stapled. Word it really nice. And suggest that you've noticed that she doesn't have a pleasant smell to her and tell her that you had the same problem when you used just a deodrant instead of an antiperspirant. Also start off the letter with compliments like how nice she is. And your telling her this because you care about her and don't want others to judge you for this and of course since its her own body odor, she is less likely to notice it but others around her do.
2007-02-16 12:51:34 · answer #2 · answered by Smitha 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can afford to spend a bit of money you could try buying her a few hygiene products. Sit her down and tell her that you think she's a nice person and that you hope she won't be upset or think you're trying to be cruel but, Then hand her the basket of goodies and say I have a problem with the way you smell. As a woman I know how embarrassing it can be for someone to say this but, I would want to know before the whole office started talking. Tell her that you want her to think of you as a friend and, as a friend you're telling her that she has been having this problem for a while. Tell her that you understand how much this may be ticking her off but it's not meant to hurt her. Just keep letting her know that you want to be her friend and you mean well.
There is no nice way to tell a person that they smell bad. You have to treat it like a band aid and just get it over with. I wish I had some special trick but, You have to just say it like it is.
Your only other options are. Tell your boss that she has an odor problem and let him/her address the issue.
Or
Put an air freshener on your desk that blows in her direction.
2007-02-16 13:07:43 · answer #3 · answered by quel772o 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is so hard! well, try turning it around? say that you're really worried that you smell, that you can't smell it yourself (because clearly she can't smell it on her) but somebody said you did and you're worried if it was a joke or not!
maybe this will make her paranoid enough to start thinking about whether she does. then a week or so later recommend this really great brand that you've started using that you think really works!
if this is all too much lying or whatever, then just keep talking about this great scent or something that you tried in a store the other day that you think she'd love...
it seems harsh to lie, but you know that really you're just being creative with the truth to try and help her. its good of you to try and help her out before somebody does it the mean way!
2007-02-16 12:48:30 · answer #4 · answered by sky_blue 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell the human resources person. Unfortunately for them, it's their job to figure out a way of letting that person know. That way, it's a private conversation between just them and you can all pretend nobody else knew. We had to do this to a guy we worked with who always smelled like he had a load in his pants. Not good.
2007-02-16 12:45:36 · answer #5 · answered by pookiemct07 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
With all the political correctness these days you might get in trouble for harassment if you say anything. This is especially true if she of a different ethnic origin. If you say something to her it might make your working relationship stressed.
My advise is to let HR handle it. This is their job.
Good luck...
Ps. We had a smelly girl in high school. We put soap, and deodorant in a bag in her locker... She found out it was us and we got in trouble... I wonder if she still stinks??
OR
You could wear clothes pins on your nose!! LOL
2007-02-16 12:55:39 · answer #6 · answered by Zelda 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Type out a note and send it to her anonymously. Be kind and gentle, and let her know that, as a friend, you feel that maybe she needs to bathe more often, or use deodorant. What ever you do, be gentle. I had to have a discussion with one of my employees once. It was very uncomfortable for me, but he didn't know he smelled bad. Good luck.
2007-02-16 12:56:57 · answer #7 · answered by J.R. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While there are definitely nicer ways than others to tell her, her feelings will be hurt regardless.
I would not be able to tell anyone they smelled bad. It would be easier for me to just deal with the odor.
If you absolutely feel the need to tell her, just be nicely blunt.
Good luck!
2007-02-16 12:50:21 · answer #8 · answered by Ann 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no nice way to tell someone that they stink, you just have to be blunt, but in private. Honesty is always the best policy.
2007-02-16 12:48:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy a giftcard perhpas 10-15 dollars to a popular store. I.E: Bath and Body Works etc
2007-02-16 12:44:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anna 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋