Would you let a stranger know that they stink? How would you let them know?

Answer 1

no, because if its a stranger, its none of my business. who knows, maybe they're not always that way, maybe they were coming back from football practice or something ... anyway, i wouldn't appreciate it if someone said something like that to me, so i wouldn't do it to them.

Answer 2

Depends on SEVERAL different factors. Like location. The length of time the person with the "issue" will be near me, and(actually how close this person is physically) For instance: Immediate workplace, elevator, grocery store, and, or public bathroom for some quick examples. So yes if the offensive odor was within my immediate area, and I felt it warranted a "heads up" I WOULD SAY something.

Some other things to consider:

1. MOST employers make it very specific that in the workplace, one must practice and maintain acceptable personal hygiene. So it is an actual HR policy.
2. However if you do approach an individual with this "issue" in the workplace, you may be opening yourself up to a proverbial "can of worms" regarding HR and whether this person took offense to what you may have said to them regarding their odor. LET MANAGEMENT DO IT.
3. Public places have similar rules regarding mandatory personal hygiene, but not always enforced.
4. In my opinion ( if not in the workplace) it is much easier and actually safer for a male to mention this type of personal hygiene issue to a male, and a female to mention this type of personal hygiene issue to a female.
5. Sometimes no matter where you are it is JUST the RIGHT thing to do for many reasons. Some of which would prevent embarrassment to the person with the odor.

I would always be polite, and take the person aside if possible, and get right to the point. Even starting by saying "I don't mean to offend you, and please don't take this personal, BUT out of concern I'd like to help make you aware that...................."

I truly believe that most people would appreciate being made aware that they had an "offensive odor" issue, as long as the person saying it says it in a sincere, tactful manner. :)

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Answer 3

Purchase your favorite deoderant and give it to them.
Be sincere. It's the kind thing to do.
Yeah, I've done it and was thanked for it, however, it was a friend. Not a stranger.
I did ask a stranger on a but once if they knew they smelled. He got very confrontational.
I think he was on the way to the doctor to have his medication adjusted.

Answer 4

At our local grocery store, there is a person who STINKS who comes in to shop. One of the employees follows discreetly behind him spraying air freshener.

Seriously, why don't these people at least bathe once in a while!

Answer 5

a stranger? if a strange person walked up to me and said i stink, they might get smacked in the mouth. even if they're right

Answer 6

No, because they may not think that they stink. Just because YOU find an odor offensive does not mean that everyone does.

Answer 7

If they stink from too much cologne, then I make like my eyes are burning from the stench.
I'm pretty obnoxious about it, but not if its just B.O.

Answer 8

I wouldn't, no. If they're a stranger, considering you'll probably never see them again, why would you bother hurting their feelings by telling them something they probably already know?

Answer 9

if it's a stranger i'd just let it be.
if it was a friend i'd discuss it... gently... and maybe find out that their partner loves that smell ...
or maybe that they cant afford to wash their shirts 5 times a day etc...

Answer 10

I would say :"YOU STINK".
Only if he is a stranger