In Need of some Smelly Advice

[imported_Kranar]

Okay, it's reached a point where I absolutly can't tolerate being around a certain individual because of how badly he smells.

I don't personally know this man, but he's in one of my lectures and his stink seriously covers a 4 desk radius at the very least. Thing is, since I don't know him, I don't want to come off harsh and pop out of the blue telling him to "Take a freaking bath."

I've considered dropping in an letter anonymously, however, I lack a means of delivery. I just think it would be in his interest, and in the interest of those around him if he somehow knew that his odour is a problem, but I don't want him to think it's an attack and have him go full blown defensive on me.

Something has got to be done about this crisis. Advice... help... anything!

[Betheny]

I worked with a girl like that at a drug store.

The only way to approach it is to be up front and honest. He might not k now he stinks.

Her... We bought her deodorant and asked her to use it. But she was an annoying twat anyway.

To avoid hurt feelings, just approach it in a friendly way, and say, hey man... I don't know if you've noticed, but you have pungent body odor.

Just sack up, and say "Hey man, you really need to take a shower or something" Make sure you say it around the other people who are subjected to his ungodly odor, so they can reiterate what your saying. So what if you get your ass kicked, at least your not smelling stank for the rest of the term.

[Askip]

Can you leave a care package of soap & deodorant on his desk without being seen?

:D

[Betheny]

Or talk to the teacher. Most schools have some sort of rules about appearances and cleanliness, even if they aren't enforced often.

[imported_Kranar]

Does anyone here know of any kind of condition, other than your typical B.O. that can cause such an odour?

I just find it really hard believe that someone could not take a bath or a shower.

[Edited on 10-24-2003 by Kranar]

[Betheny]

There's antibacterial deodorant.

He might be sick. When my mom is on sulfa meds, she has horrid BO.

[peam]

I know people who don't take showers/baths for weeks at a time.

Back in my band days, we used to go days without showers when we'd do little mini tours.

Some people just get an earthy odour, while others just plain stink. I'm not really sure how it works, though.

[Parkbandit]

Originally posted by Kranar
Does anyone here know of any kind of condition, other than your typical B.O. that can cause such an odour?

I just find it really hard believe that someone could not take a bath or a shower.

[Edited on 10-24-2003 by Kranar]

There are people out there that can bathe all day and the moment they come out, they start to stink. I don't know the actual condition or medical reason... but I had a friend that had that condition. Nothing helped.. soap, deodorant... he just STUNK.

As far as your classmate.. I would say talk to the teacher as well. Let him know it's a distraction for you and the rest of the class.

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

Just tell him. Most people want to be liked and accepted, and if unaware of a body odor, don't realize anything is wrong. I know if I had something on my face or stunk, I'd hope someone would mention it to me, rather than look ridiculous all day long.

[Weedmage Princess]

I agree, I think the best thing to do would be to talk to your teacher...if it's disrupting the class, it's his/her job to put a stop to it.

Another thing you could do (out there, but you can say everything you need to without uttering a single word) is bring in a can of air freshener. Not Lysol or some sort of disinfectant, as that would just make you look like one of those people with a fear of germs--I mean straight up, REAL air freshener. Glade, Renuzit, etc. Make it a point to spray when he's around so he can see it. That's a pretty strong hint.

**edited because I said deodorant instead of air freshener..duh hoy.

[Edited on 10-24-2003 by Weedmage Princess]

[imported_Kranar]

For those of you who think I should tell him personally... should I do it in public?

I mean RangerD1 has a point about telling him in public since others around can confirm my sentiment. At first a bunch of us didn't even know what the cause of the smell was.

Or perhaps just telling him in private would be a better alternative?

[Tendarian]

Id say telling him in private one on one would be better unless you think the guy is gonna kick your ass or something. It would be less humilating that way instead of twenty people surrounding you telling you you smell like ass. I agree with the people that said tell the teacher tho,they get paid to handle uncomfortable situations like this you dont. Plus how often would a student punch a teacher?

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

Definately private, public is embarassing, private means you care enough to tell him, and recognize that you don't want to embarass him. He'll be appreciative, not defensive.

[Back]

Going to the teacher about it sounds like the best idea to me.

We had a guy who stunk at one place I worked at. Worse was that he was incredibly obnoxius. We all talked to the foreman about his stench. When the foreman brought it up to the guy he became indignant. It was pretty ugly. But, it did work, the drama passed, and he stopped stinking.

Based on my one time experience with the situation I'd say take it to an authority figure because the guy may very well get upset.

[AnticorRifling]

Throw a bar of soap at him and say "Wash your stink ass, you're making me ill!" Make sure to do this in a very public place so that he gets embarrased.

Tact is over-rated and some people need the shock value to get a freaking clue.

I'm brutal but I'm honest.

[Parkbandit]

Originally posted by Suppa Hobbit Mage
Just tell him. Most people want to be liked and accepted, and if unaware of a body odor, don't realize anything is wrong. I know if I had something on my face or stunk, I'd hope someone would mention it to me, rather than look ridiculous all day long.

Um, Bill... you smell like shit. Take a shower.

You are welcome. :smug:

[Parkbandit]

Originally posted by AnticorRifling
Throw a bar of soap at him and say "Wash your stink ass, you're making me ill!" Make sure to do this in a very public place so that he gets embarrased.

Tact is over-rated and some people need the shock value to get a freaking clue.

I'm brutal but I'm honest.

I am so re-adopting you.

Stink ass.. heh.

Originally posted by peam
I know people who don't take showers/baths for weeks at a time.

Back in my band days, we used to go days without showers when we'd do little mini tours.

Some people just get an earthy odour, while others just plain stink. I'm not really sure how it works, though.


I just went a month without showering. Man i stunk

Originally posted by Kranar
For those of you who think I should tell him personally... should I do it in public?

I mean RangerD1 has a point about telling him in public since others around can confirm my sentiment. At first a bunch of us didn't even know what the cause of the smell was.

Or perhaps just telling him in private would be a better alternative?

The problem with telling him in private is that he might think your being overly sensitive, or even making things up for whatever reason. If other people are readily available who can testify to his stankiness, then it will probaly have more of an impact. Sure he might have a medical problem, or be embarassed, but man do you really wanna be smelling his ass all the time if you don't have to?

[Just Lurking]

There are a few things I know of that can cause this besides bad hygiene. I mean, he could be showering, but never wash his clothes. Some people don't understand that washing clothes are necessary (sad but true).

He could be taking garlic pills which cause a stench beyond belief. It comes through the skin. If he's losing a lot of weight quickly that could also cause a stench.

I'd say just pull him aside and see what's going on. But, be sensitive about it because he may know that he does have an odor problem but he still has to go through life with it. You never know.

My 2 cents...

[Adhara]

If you tell him in person, definitely do it in private. Mention that maybe it's a medical condition to give him an honorable way out. If it's only that he doesn't bathe and he hears you offering that it might be a medical condition, he might take the perch and agree that it is and he'll take care of it. That's easier to say than "yeah I haven't taken a bath in two weeks." It might be a lie but who cares if it is? All you really want is something done right? So why not spare him some embarrassment in the process as well? Just a thought.

[AnticorRifling]

You could always do what we did to idiots that wouldn't shower in the Marine Corpse. We, generally a squad, would strip them, toss them in the shower and attack them with green brillo pads (not the metal ones the abrassive plastic ones) rub him raw all over (well not all over I'm not going near some other dude's junk) when the pain leaves they learn to shower.

In the field I would take wet naps with me. Use those and a canteen cup of cold water so I could clean the essentials. Gotta always make sure the feet, junk, armpits and backside are clean last thing you need is jungle rot, trench foot, etc.

[HarmNone]

Going to the professor is probably the easiest and most efficient way to handle the problem. However, if you decide to do it yourself, I would do it privately and have at least one other student with you who will vouch for the fact that "bruthah rat" stinks. :D

HarmNone would probably not be this diplomatic

[Just Lurking]

Originally posted by AnticorRifling
You could always do what we did to idiots that wouldn't shower in the Marine Corpse. We, generally a squad, would strip them, toss them in the shower and attack them with green brillo pads (not the metal ones the abrassive plastic ones) rub him raw all over (well not all over I'm not going near some other dude's junk) when the pain leaves they learn to shower.


I'm not sure...but I *think* that would be a little extreme for civilians to pull off, and pretty mean to boot.

Kranar, if you don't feel comfortable talking to him yourself, just tell the teacher that this guy's odor is distracting you and something needs to be done about it.

I think a more positive solution is always best rather than the bullying way.

My second 2 cents...

[Scott]

Or just leave a note on his chair. Most time people sit at the same seat. Get to class early. Drop a note on his seat with some sort of address so he knows to open it. I would tell him personally since I'm not shy at all, but if you can't do that, just drop a note on his seat before class.

Originally posted by Adhara
If you tell him in person, definitely do it in private. Mention that maybe it's a medical condition to give him an honorable way out. If it's only that he doesn't bathe and he hears you offering that it might be a medical condition, he might take the perch and agree that it is and he'll take care of it. That's easier to say than "yeah I haven't taken a bath in two weeks." It might be a lie but who cares if it is? All you really want is something done right? So why not spare him some embarrassment in the process as well? Just a thought.


What if its not a medical condition? You don't think he'd be a tad ticked off that you just told him he might wanna consult a coroner cause he has the stench of the Undead on him?

[JustMe]

Just leave it up to the teacher. He'd probably take the advice of the teacher over another student anyday, and it would take the heat off you. The embarrassment would be less as well.

Does he look like he doesn't shower? After awhile you can tell if people shower/don't shower by looking at them. It could be a medical condition as well, or he could be semi-homeless and not be able to shower daily. There was a kid in my college that lived in a run down shack that didn't have running water and was like that, I was lucky enough not to have a class with him though.


Edited because rr does not mean or. :bouncy:

[Edited on 10-24-2003 by JustMe]

[Adhara]

No RangerD1 I don't think he'd be ticked off because a medical condition is not something that is your fault. In my eyes there is no shame in that. Embarrassment surely but when nothing can be done about the cause and only the result can be treated to improve the situation, I don't see why one would be ashamed.

I asked if it wasn't a medical condition. Lets say i walk up to you one day and say. "Excuse me, i'm not trying to be rude but halitosis is curable, maybe you should look into trying to find some treatment."

How would you feel?

[imported_Kranar]

Proff is probably the best idea. Better to have some figure of authority tell him than someone he doesn't know.

[Edited on 10-24-2003 by Kranar]

[theotherjohn]

give him a gift for the holidays

[Artha]

Do it like a real man and make a nasty website about him.

[Faellyn]

It's much better if you go through the official channels. The professor won't appreciate you dumping it on him, but that's where you and a couple others who can explain it without sounding like you just have a beef, should go. For one thing, it's just easier to take from someone not in your peer group, and for another it gives it some authority. I had to tell an employee that showering and laundering your clothes are a requirement of his job (in a restaurant) and when he informed me that he did, I had to go with asking him to see a Dr. He stopped smelling for a couple months, but then it came back ::sigh:: After another heart to heart with him that was only temporarily effective, I ended up cutting his hours until he quit. Some people don't care. Others will be embarrassed and start showering/laundering more often, or whatever it takes to get rid of the odour. And some are stuck with it like my stepdaughter, who until she was 23 or 24 smelled even when she was still dripping from the shower (and yes, she used soap, the Dr said there wasn't much he could do)

Humiliating the guy won't help, and in fact might make him mad enough to decide to never shower again.

[Stacey]

Um, Bill... you smell like shit. Take a shower.

You are welcome. :smug: [/quote]

Umm. Yeah, what he said. It's best to tell the person now instead of later. Stinky people need to be informed ASAP.

Stacey

:lol:

[AnticorRifling]

Originally posted by RangerD1
I asked if it wasn't a medical condition. Lets say i walk up to you one day and say. "Excuse me, i'm not trying to be rude but halitosis is curable, maybe you should look into trying to find some treatment."

How would you feel?

I would punch you in the grill. Then I would go get some scope or lysterine or whatever. My breath would get better and I'd get the first date of my life. I would then come back to you and buy you a beer or ten.

But since I know how to brush my teeth that's all just a what if scenario. :cool:

[Weedmage Princess]

I HEARD DIFFERENT ANTICOR!!!!!

Originally posted by AnticorRifling

Originally posted by RangerD1
I asked if it wasn't a medical condition. Lets say i walk up to you one day and say. "Excuse me, i'm not trying to be rude but halitosis is curable, maybe you should look into trying to find some treatment."

How would you feel?

I would punch you in the grill. Then I would go get some scope or lysterine or whatever. My breath would get better and I'd get the first date of my life. I would then come back to you and buy you a beer or ten.

But since I know how to brush my teeth that's all just a what if scenario. :cool:


Can't stop laughing..thats exactly what i'd do :) but guess military people thing similiarly.

Gross chopping off the language english brought to you by. RANGERD1