So, here is the deal. This newer girl at my work today smelled really bad! It wasn't like body odor or anything, it smelled like vomit and spoiled milk. One girl, who had no idea it was her who smelled so horrible, went around trying to figure out where the smell was coming from, before someone informed her it was this particular girl and this smelly girl could not smell it herself. So, everyone at work was talking about her behind her back and we think she had even overheard some of the girls talking about her. I felt really bad about it and didn't want to talk behind her back and really wanted to tell her that it wasn't that we disliked her, but that she smelled rancid! Thing is, I had no idea what to say or how to tell someone that they stunk! So, if this had happened to you, what would you tell them to minimize any hurt feelings?
2007-11-10 16:09:47 · 10 answers · asked by krazycatlady420 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Let me add that, a few girls said that she smelled the same way the day before and it was so bad one of our managers was gagging. I asked both my managers what to do, and one said I should tell her, but the other didn't want me to. So, it was a toss up.
2007-11-10 16:18:14 · update #1
When she is away from her desk, leave a note unsigned, saying: "No one here wants to offend you in anyway, but you're emitting an awful smell, odor that's about to drive us all nuts.
Please, please do something about this.
The entire office staff,
2007-11-10 16:25:54 · answer #1 · answered by Alberich 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
You have to tell her. My Mom always told me "Only your friend can be your mirror." If you Had broccoli in your teeth on your way to a date, you would want her to tell you. Say something like........" I am sure you noticed people acting odd yesterday. You are new here so let me tell you most everyone who works here is great so don't let them bother you. I feel like I need to tell you some of what was going on. I don't know if you sat in something yesterday, or you left your lunch out or maybe something went bad in your purse but there was a real funny smell near you yesterday. I know if it was me I would want you to tell me so I feel I had to tell you about it." Be kind and straight forward. Say it how you would be most receptive yourself.
2007-11-10 16:27:08 · answer #2 · answered by Shanbanan 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yikes! she clearly has bad hygiene. i would invite her to a one on one lunch and privately tell her that her clothing smells a bit off, and ask if there's anything you can do to help. i would maybe even fib a bit and tell her that you had the same problem until you bought xyz brand detergent (not that you want to sound like an endorsement). how difficult!
2007-11-10 16:26:51 · answer #3 · answered by magerk 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's a really tough question, you might want to take it up with your supervisor if you're close with them...or wait until she comes in the next day...
May be it was a one time thing and it's something that you don't even have to worry about.
2007-11-10 16:13:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a problem for your Human Resources department. No co-worker should take it upon themselves to handle it.
.
2007-11-10 16:46:52 · answer #5 · answered by Jacob W 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Your supervisor is the one who needs to handle it. He/she needs to pull her aside and tell about the problem and get it fixed pronto.
2007-11-10 16:22:47 · answer #6 · answered by pete 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Say good morning did you sleep in the empty hull of a tuna ship last night. or have you been chewing on your socks again?
2007-11-10 16:47:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
The manager should do the dirty job.
2007-11-10 18:57:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I told you what to do about this already. You go up to her and say, " Damn girl, you smell like ****!".
2007-11-10 16:23:25 · answer #9 · answered by stoneytreehugger 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
by her perfume as like a gift maybe she'll use it
2007-11-10 16:27:13 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋