How can I politely tell someone, without hurting their feelings, that they have really bad body odor?
2007-03-07 15:26:46 · 12 answers · asked by jamsch1978 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Just go up to them and tell them you are not trying to be mean or hurtful..but they really need to take a shower and use some deodorant..that you are having a hard time being near them without getting nauseous from the smell..than clarify again that you didn't want to hurt their feelings but felt you needed to say something......than leave it at that...move on to something else or go somewhere else...you don't want to bring any more attention to this than you have to for the sake of this persons feeling or any embarrassment they might feel......
the more straight forward casual approach would be to say....
...man ,I don't mean to be mean..but you need to take a shower and use some deodorant... your getting rank(optional).......(not really very tactful ....but its quick and to the point...which has some advantages)....
honestly, I don't believe being polite is the problem here....it just keeping their feelings from being hurt is the issue..and I am not sure this is even possible...a quick to the point comment might be the best way, it would be a less awkward situation for both of you...and might save them some embarrassment .....
2007-03-07 16:23:08 · answer #1 · answered by LeftField360 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, I just went to a training on this with my company. The topic was having difficult conversations, and as family advocates, my co-workers have the hardest time addressing issues of...hygeine! The goal here is to have the person understand that you are concerned for THEM. Say privately , " I have something to talk with you about that may make you feel ...(pick a word that fits) uncomfortable, angry, defensive, etc. But I've noticed that you have a hard time (pick one) making friends, getting help, finding work etc. I think that it may be your personal body odor that is making others uncomforatble, and I just wanted to let you know in case you were unaware."
Now the trick here is to make sure that you don't lose your credibility here. They will be defensive, and will probably make verbal attacks. Stay calm and even professional. Its not about you. Say, "This is what I am talking about right now. We can discuss this other stuff later."
What a difficult topic to have to address. Good luck!
2007-03-07 23:38:47 · answer #2 · answered by Stormy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
okay, you didn't have to make it public, I'll take a bath before I come to bed tonight honey.
Just kidding, tell them about a new cologne you tried and think its great. Speak as though you know that you need it because it covers up some of those not so nice body smells that accumlate as the day goes on. Don't over state it, be gentle and not too obivous. If they don't get it, wait till next week and mention again, just say, hey I just picked up some of this new cologne, want to try some, I love it.(not in front of other people)
2007-03-07 23:35:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
didnt you ever see the friends episode when rachels boss reeked of B.O? she bought her a bath set and then perfume and then tried masking the smell with flowers. if this person is a friend then be a friend and tell them that they dont smell the best. a friend of mine would reek after a long gym session or a long walk and i finally couldnt handle it and so as we were walking one day we went into a drug store and i said casually as we headed to the deordorant aisle that i loved this certain deordorant and suggested she buy some right then and there. she did and the smell has since gone away.
2007-03-08 08:49:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gently and discretely hand them a note written on a bar of Dove cucumber clean soap that says they may need to wash this century.
2007-03-08 00:17:56 · answer #5 · answered by O 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
~~hahaha!! it's not easy as you think. Rather the person having bad body odor should realize about his situation himself.
2007-03-07 23:44:43 · answer #6 · answered by nimesh 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I normally spend a few days saying,damn what the hell is that rotten smell? It smells like Deodarant over a smelly body..has someone died? That will work.
2007-03-07 23:31:32 · answer #7 · answered by BAKKUS 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Kindly suggest that they try a new perfume that you think that they would like. Or, give them a soap-on-a-rope or some hinting gift. Or, give them the hinting gift (IE: AXE) anonymously.
2007-03-07 23:31:34 · answer #8 · answered by Shibi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can go and buy them some perfume or cologne and tell them that you thought of them when you seen this and wanted to get it for them!!
2007-03-07 23:35:55 · answer #9 · answered by Amber S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tell them : can i tell you sumthin ? promise not to get mad ? and then tell them, itLL be uncomfortable at first but then theyLL thank you later when they smeLL nice :D hope that helps lol
2007-03-07 23:35:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋