I wish, it were that easy to say this to someone who actually had an offensive body odor (bo). Just recently, I was stuck with this middle-aged lady seated next to me on a flight. She had pretty bad bo, and I had to bear the brunt of it through the entire duration of the flight. I could get no fresh air for almost 2 hours. I felt nauseated. I also remember this work colleague sometime back, who was such a sweet girl, but had a horrible bo that could be smelt from 3 rows away. I really felt many times that I must walk up to her and tell her. But, I just could not muster the courage. It is such a sensitive topic that I have to be really sure that the other person will not be “touchy” about being told.
But, genuinely, it is one of the worst experiences to put up with bad bo. I sometimes wonder how the person emitting such smell is blissfully unaware of it. Is it something to do with bad hygiene, or just that their sweat smells? And, really the worst part is when someone tries to camouflage the bo with some cologne… ugh! That is even more disgusting.
Really! Does anyone have any suggestions about how to broach this sensitive topic with the person in question?
I have come across this issue while working out in Gym…
We will have to help(support) a guy who smells bad. But I dont have much choice as ppl go thr to sweat it out
And thr are people allergic to deo…Indian conditions r tough for them!
I have come across a situation where it involved tobacco smells, where I told the person, please chew a gum. But, I guess body odour is not something you can inform the person so openly. In fact as you say, I do not get as to why would some bodies smell so bad always!
@jon Yes, Indian conditions are tough. But, it is too much to suffer in silence. I can’t imagine how bad it must be in the gym. Thank God, I’m not in your position.
@Aathira It fails me too. I think, we are doomed to suffer silently. I was hoping that someone could tell me a different experience.
It is a sensitive topic. I guess the ones who have this bad bo wouldn’t know because they’re used to it and it may appear (smell) normal(!) to them. If you point it out to them, they might be offended. If you are really concerned, maybe you should try recommending a dermatologist, citing a person with a similar problem finding a cure. Or buy a really nice perfume, hoping they’d take a hint. Or take a deep breath, before and after!
Recently, I walked in to the conference room to bad bo (from clients seated there perhaps). It was so awful, I thought I’d swoon. The other thing I can’t take is people doused in strong perfume…gives me a headache!
hmmm, it is indeed a sensitive thing to point out..it’s a normal scene in city of mumbai where you have to travel by local trains or buses..
The underlying question is, should I give advice without being asked? I think you really did well by not offering advice.
Here’s a saying: “free advice is often worth less than the price”.
Some research says: the other person will probably value “plain information” higher than some strict advice. Source: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/ulterior-motives/201004/what-is-the-best-way-give-advice
Sensitive topic, but funny blog đŸ™‚ Good job, Rachna!
BO and perfume mix, on a flight to Spain once, made me spend significant time of my flight in the toilet…
My goodness,it was as if you read my thoughts. Just today morning,our matron called me for a friendly talk.It was later in to our conversation that I knew she had another intention. Then she came to the point.It was the bo of one of my colleagues in the medical department.He is one of the best dressed in the dept,but one cannot sit near him for such an intense odor.
Many nurses had mentioned this to me,and finally the nurses have decided to complain to the director.They take most of the punishment of his odor,because they spend most time with him for rounds.
Initially I thought it was the mustard oil he uses. Then someone told me he is purposely creating bad odor to repel women,because he is overtly religious. But many nurses insist he doesn’t take bathe at all.
My feeling is that if one takes regular bathe,and changes clothes daily,and use a deodorant,the problem can be managed.But it might appear insulting if you tell some one. Whatever,I have decided to tell him this week,to avoid further unhappiness to himself and others.
@RGB Yes, it is a sensitive topic. And, I don’t think that I could do it in a roundabout way. I think, anything I say would lead to the person feeling hurt. Yes, like you I have been in situations in trains, buses and places that smell real bad because someone left a bad bo there. And, places with air conditioning are a nightmare in such a situation.
@Neha I have been brought up in Mumbai traveling by trains and buses all the time. I know what you are talking about. Did you ever spend a trip with a fishmonger lady? That stench would kill you, and if you would dare squeeze your nose or something, those ladies give you an earful ;).
Thanks for visiting my blog and for your comment!
@Bart That’s a good article, Bart. And, I really don’t think that I can offer any information in this situation because I am sure that the person will feel offended. And, I would be so embarrassed. But, the situation frustrates whenever it arises.
@Iliana Thanks so much ;). I can totally empathize with you. I think, I should have done the same thing when I was stuck with this lady :-).
@dr. antony I would be curious to know how it went with that doc. Do let me know. It is a tricky situation, and see how many people it is affecting. So, I guess you have to take action, or you have a rebellion from nurses on hand.
I think it has to do with a lot of things. Hygiene, diet, etc.
I agree with Agnes and Jon!!
It has to do with hygiene, diet and Indian conditions!!
Its very horrible to travel in buses late in the evening when everybody are going back home!! :/
@Agnes Yes, it is a culmination of a lot of factors.
@Girish It is a combination of factors. But, don’t you think one must be careful about it instead of subjecting others to a horrible experience.
I think it has more to do with personal hygiene.I wonder as to why don’t the family members bring it to the notice of their member for corrective action.
Can understand the plight:( I f it is someone you have to deal with everyday, just tell them casually how lots of water helps the body to digest and this includes decreased bad BO too… or how unsocial a garlic dish is as it spreads bad smell…or how your neighbour’s marriage broke off because of BOplus cologne etc etc.
ya…all one has to do is to travel 2nd class in mumbai train..to know abt this prob:)
hmmm never thought about it what will i do, but then knowing me i am blunt i would present them a body spray or just tell them straight on
Bikram’s
Yes it is difficult to tell someone about BO. Apart from diet, hygiene, exercise its also medication which gives a distinct smell.And not everyone is tolerant to deos.
Its worse here in the Gulf in the summer, the BO along with strong perfumes is such a strange mix that its nauseating
Hey how about bad breath…thats worst isn’t it…
I always get nervous during meetings ,even casual…i fear tht I got bad breath and the othr prson is choin to death
And my gr8est fear is trying to flirt with a bad breath
@BKChowla You are right! I think, family members are the best bet to handle this topic sensitively. Maybe, they are not vigilant enough, or they are used to the smell.
@TheHolyLama Luckily, I don’t face it on a regular basis, but mostly from strangers.
@Ramesh Understandable in the 2nd class compartment. One can’t expect them to use deos.
@bbsearchingself You are right, too.
@Jon yes, bad breath is a severe put off. I would say gum works best. Always keep some gum with you, and if possible, mouthwash which works better. Certain food cause bad breath. For me; tea, coffee, milk, hunger do it. Even saunf (aniseed) works really well.
Definitely, before being intimate with women, work on your bad breath :).
Sensitive issue most certainly. You never know how the person is going to react!
We often come across a situation when people around us who emit bad body odour or bad breath. It is really difficult to let people know about their problem but we should inform them decently, especially when they are friends, so that they can work on this.(in some way for the betterment of their personality, isn’t it?)
@Destiny’s child yep, difficult territory.
@Tarang Welcome to my blog. Yes, there ought to be a way, I just don’t know what.