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A delicate problem

(32 Posts)
Aveline Sun 16-Aug-26 19:05:18

How do you tell someone they're a bit whiffy? A family member has recently started to smell. It's quite noticeable and really pretty unpleasant. I can't think how to mention it or even if I should mention it. I suspect that others will have detected it and I was hoping that someone else might have said something. However, on today's experience they have not.
I remember this being an issue at work once and HR said that the person's manager had to inform them of their personal hygiene being inappropriate in this work environment.
However, this is not at work.
What to do? Any ideas?

Plevey08 Sun 16-Aug-26 21:03:50

I've seen her on a Tele programme years ago. Primrose. Amazing accuracy! I've smelt old persons smell on a few as well Petra. Not on me though 🤣

Patsy70 Sun 16-Aug-26 21:04:10

Well Lathyrus3 you might smell in this hot weather, but personally I make a point of not smelling! 😳 I realise that it is a sensitive subject, but I hate body odour and unpleasant smells, so would avoid close proximity or find a way of diplomatically telling them. Not easy, is it?

Plevey08 Sun 16-Aug-26 21:10:37

Yep... slightly damp clothes put in the wardrobe too soon stink greyfur.

saltnshake Sun 16-Aug-26 21:45:04

Old person smell caused by nonenal. Use Japanese persimmon soap. Available on Amazon and other retailers.

Lathyrus3 Sun 16-Aug-26 22:49:50

Patsy70

Well Lathyrus3 you might smell in this hot weather, but personally I make a point of not smelling! 😳 I realise that it is a sensitive subject, but I hate body odour and unpleasant smells, so would avoid close proximity or find a way of diplomatically telling them. Not easy, is it?

Everybody smells of something.

🤣🤣🤣

Sadgrandma Sun 16-Aug-26 23:02:22

Personally I think you owe it to this person to tell them what you have noticed. I would say something like ‘please don’t be offended but I know you would rather I mentioned it to you in case other people might notice’. Make it clear that no one else has said anything to you though. Suggest perhaps that deodorant isn’t effective enough in this hot weather. Of course they will probably be upset but I’m sure they would be grateful for you telling them. I know I certainly would rather than to think people were talking behind my back.