How Do You Tell Someone About Body Odor?

8

8 Answers

Tiffany McCallum Profile
Ok, well an easy way to take care of both-Ask them what kind of deodorant/antiperspirant they each use. After they answer-
Them-"Oh, none"-(politely)
Them-" I used (brand name here)"
Then your answer could be- "You should try Secret (or whatever brand you use), it works wonders."

If they don't get the hint, sometimes it's best to go out right with it. Just say something like
-"I am not sure if you wear it or not, but deodorant may help with your sweating problem."
-" I've noticed some peoples faces when you walk by, did you use deodorant today?"

I know that isn't the nicest, but think more of their hygiene and the personal benefit to themselves as well the people around them if they start using it or start using a better one.

When I was in 7th grade, my best friend sat next to me on the bus as we left school and gym was our last class before leaving school. She looked over at me and just came out with it. She said "Um, tiff, you need to start wearing deodorant, especially after gym". LOL I was soooooo thankful rather than hurt. I wore it, just didn't bring it to school to wear after gym, so I bought an extra, but the point is, sometimes honesty is just better.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I had a friend in school that I dearly wanted to tell her that she had body odor.  I did not end up telling her because I felt that I did not want to insult her.  Guess what, I saw her years later and she smelled fine.  I guess what I am saying is that you have to judge what's really going on (emotional or physical) and what kind of friendship you have.  Sometimes things work themselves out.
Caitlin Profile
Caitlin answered
I agree with madbitch. If I had b.o. I would want my friend to tell me rather than someone i don't know that well. Just say it nicely. Most likely they will just laugh it off and say  "I know I forgot to put deodorant on today". Or something. There really isn't any nice way to say it... But you can say it in a nice voice.
thanked the writer.
nettie
nettie commented
At least you guys got a laugh out of me,you are so funny,It is as if I can see you typing and your nose turned up...Smile
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
God i think you've just got to be truthful,i know if i had B.O i would want someone to mention it,you may not be very popular with the person involved at first,but they will thank you in the long run
thanked the writer.
nettie
nettie commented
you are right but there goes a friend,you can be as tactful as you can be and some will get offended,no matter how nice you say it. I've been in the second situation and the odor is like it needs to be cut away there is no soap & water going to help this one, it screams something is decayed...Peace
nettie
nettie commented
I wish you could see me I'm rolling with laugher...Hahaaaaaaa
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Um maybe leave an anonymous note telling them. Or Say "it advising you as a friend and you should be happy because now you know and won't have to be embaressed." Because if you really are friends... You should be able to be that honest.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
If they look clean and you know they shower regularly, consider that they may have a body odor problem (hormonal or otherwise) that has not been helped by showering or any type of deodorant.  Most people in this situation already KNOW they smell and it is already destroying their life..in this case don't say anything, because there is no purpose other than to hurt them.If they look dirty and unkempt, when they walk in room (and others are present), you can sniff and say "what IS that smell, OK,,who didn't shower??"  or   you could say:  "either someone didn't shower, or something died in this room!"  (lol) without specifically pointing to them.  If they still don't get it and you must say something, approach them directly  (privately) and tell them "I don't know how to say this except:  You need a better deodorant or a shower."   I guess it depends on how well you know them.  If it's a stranger, just mind your business.  If it's a nearby co-worker, talk to your boss about it, and let him/her handle it.  (I've had to go to my boss before to report this when the odor filled the entire office and was offending co-workers as well as customers).
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
The best person to tell about that is tell their mom, it might be hard even though you know it she once was just like you. My advise, tell their mom. She will handle it
Brenda May Profile
Brenda May answered
Bring a stick of deoderant with you. Wait for a semi-private time, apply deoderant to yourself under your shirt while "confessing" that you forgot to use it that morning...and, offer it to her afterwards...say, "try this and tell me what you think, I just started using it...tryin' to see if it's as good as (insert brand A)."

See how that works.

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