It is possible that during our daily lives we have to interact with someone who does not smell particularly good. These types of situations are usually quite uncomfortable and can cause us a certain level of confusion and tension. This is because it is difficult for us to know how to act and what to do to avoid hurting the feelings of others, but at the same time we feel rejected by such an unpleasant stimulus.
There are several coping strategies for being with someone who smells bad, whether it’s a friend, your partner or a co-worker. In the following Psychology-Online article, we will explain the best ways to manage the situation and know How to tell someone they smell bad.
What to do when someone smells bad
Bad body odor is one of the most unpleasant sensations when interacting with others. It distances us from the person who does not give off a good smell and it is likely that we are uncomfortable with not knowing what to do when someone smells bad. These types of sensations are completely normal but we have to resolve the situation in the best possible way. Below we offer some strategies we can use if we don’t know what to do when someone smells bad.
1. Ignore the problem
There are people who choose to ignore the smell and continue maintaining the same type of relationship with that person. Ignoring the smell avoids conflict with that person. This coping style It is not very effective if the bad smell is extremely unpleasant. It is best to understand the situation and make a mature and brave decision.
2. Avoid that person
Many individuals usually choose to stay away from the person who smells bad. If they avoid the company, they avoid the smell and that can be a quick and effective solution. However, it may not be so easy for us to get away from that person. If it is a co-worker or someone very close, it is best to consider a solution based on communication.
3. Talk about your body odor
Talking to someone about your bad odor depends on many factors. Depending on the type of relationship we have, we must opt for a communicative style or another. Before talking to that person, it is important to stop for a moment to think about how we can communicate it to them in the best possible way, being clear but without hurting their feelings.
How to tell a colleague that they smell bad without offending
If the person who does not have a good body odor is someone we care about, it is best to let them know. If we decide to talk things directly, it will be better to follow a series of tips to facilitate the most appropriate communication possible:
- Find out beforehand if you have a problem or some type of hormonal change: It is possible that this person is already aware of the situation; there are several hormonal problems that produce quite unpleasant body odors. Before communicating your thoughts to him, you need to find out if he already knows and is doing something to prevent it.
- Try with the indirect: Leaving him an air freshener, giving him a deodorant, or offering him a mint may seem like good ideas at first, however, clearer language may be necessary to address these types of topics.
- Find the best moment: It’s not always the best situation to tell someone that they smell bad. It is important to find a quiet moment in which the other person is attentive and willing to listen to what we have to say.
- Talk to him or her in a private place: To know how to tell someone that they smell bad, it is extremely important to communicate the situation in a place where they do not feel attacked and can take the news relatively calmly.
People who smell bad
There are many reasons why someone may smell bad and not all of them are a result of poor personal hygiene. That is why we should not accuse them of being irresponsible or negligent and our speech should not be aimed at making them out of their situation. Sometimes, people who give off bad odor may be aware of and feel high levels of stress and anxiety when interacting with others.
There is a disease called bromhidrosis which specifically consists of smelling bad. This disease is related to the apocrine glands which are affected by poor functioning and secrete sweat of different characteristics. Bromhidrosis is of genetic or physical origin and is practically uncontrollable; it can only be treated through very specific guidelines, hygiene and care routines.
Finally, it is important to comment that the issue of body odor is something quite delicate, it requires patience and good training, no one will be happy if we tell them that they smell bad, however, sometimes it is a comment that we believe is necessary to make. for our personal well-being and for the environment we share with that person.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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