How to Address Body Odor or Perfume Issues

A nice approach when dealing with a sensitive subject goes a long way.

Dealing with a friend, date or coworker who has an issue with extreme body odor or a penchant for wearing too much bad perfume puts you in a sensitive situation -- and, if it's addressed the wrong way, it can also ruin relationships. Having a go-to list in your head of potential problem solvers is always helpful and should help curb the body odor or perfume habit and ultimately keep the peace.

Instructions

1. Tell your coworker how sorry you are, but you are highly allergic to the perfume she wears.

2. Talk to your new date and let her know that your ex-girlfriend wore the same perfume. Every time she wears it, it makes you want to burst into tears and run out of the room.

3. Suggest taking a run with your coworker who has terrible body odor. Then, you can generously offer your gym showers for a nice pre-work shower to cure the odor. If that doesn't work, mention that it is an awkward topic and then be as kind as possible but also as direct and discuss the body odor.

4. Tell you colleagues you are conducting a deodorant survey and want everyone in the office to try these two brands and let you know which one works better. If that doesn't work, post a very direct and kind note about the fact that it's important to bathe when working close to others.

5. Post a note in the office addressing the fact that desks and cubicles are close together and that it's important to be thoughtful about people who are highly sensitive to smells, such as body odor, perfume, smelly lunches. A nice note goes a long way.

References

• Glamour Magazine: Too Much Perfume Can Land You in Court
• Ask a Manager: Telling a Coworker She Has Body Odor