Even if others know, confronting somebody about anything in front of a bunch of people is hurtful and embarrassing. And don't ever do it in front of Christina Hendricks because nobody in their right might could get over such embarrassment.
Photo: AMC / Mad Men
Who knows? Maybe he or she will fall in love with a new scent that happens to act as a concealer and you won't have to discuss anything at all!
Photo: snailsareslimy / Flickr
Back in high school, I had a close friend who always smelled very strongly of something like lunch meat and body odor. It was unpleasant, but we were quite close and she was rather prone to tantrums at the prospect of criticism, so I just never mentioned it.
Look, if somebody is going to make themselves impossible be comfortably honest with, then it should be no surprise when nobody wants to reveal the hard truths. If your friend is more understanding and open to advice, however, then she deserves to have people help her out with the issue and you should probably try to go about discussing it -- nicely, of course.
Photo: libertygrace0 / Flickr
Even if others know, confronting somebody about anything in front of a bunch of people is hurtful and embarrassing. And don't ever do it in front of Christina Hendricks because nobody in their right might could get over such embarrassment.
Photo: AMC / Mad Men
Your friend might well feel upset at you for saying something, so you have to acknowledge that this is a risk. He may actually tell you that no, it's you who smells bad and, also, fuck yourself.
On the other hand, being aware of how awkward the situation is can help, as the two of you may well be able to laugh about it later.
Photo: I Love Lucy
Would you want to be told if you had lipstick on your teeth or had forgotten to apply an entire eye of eyeliner (I have done both of these things and not had people tell me because they thought I was "trying something new," or something) or if your breath was flat out rough? Ask yourself if you'd want to know -- and how you'd want to be told. Would you want somebody to insult you or make you feel bad about it, or would you want them to go about it in a kind, careful way?
Of course, if you're the type of person who can basically handle any form of criticism, then go you! You are awesome. And very tough. But keep in mind not everyone is like that (and vice versa for overly sensitive people like me who may have friends that prefer harsh love and stark bluntness).
Being careful, gentle and kind is nearly always the best way to go about telling somebody something that may potentially make him or her upset. Let the person know that it's not abnormal and that everybody, yourself (or, at least, myself) has had embarrassing issues of this nature in some way, shape or form.
Photo: daspadar / Flickr
Seriously. As much as it may be tempting to then say, "You could try layering your scents" or "Maybe you could shower in the morning," it's best to just not do that. It feels like a patronizing touch in an already delicate situation. Unless your friend asks for your help, do not offer words of precise scent advice.
Make sure she knows you're telling her this for her benefit and not because you want her to feel shitty about herself.
Photo: reconstructionist / Flickr
