How to Tell Someone They Smell

Picture this, you’re sitting at work and suddenly you get a whiff of an overpowering aroma. The stench of sliced onions and curdled milk begins moving closer to your desk. Immediately, you realize what is funking up the office; it’s your co-worker, again. Well, folks, it might be time to speak up. If you’re ready, here’s an effective way how to tell someone they smell and get away with it.

*It is important to note that this post includes affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase via links in this post, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. With this being said, I only post and review products that I absolutely love and have personally used.

Think Ahead

One of the most basic responsibilities of a person is maintaining good personal hygiene. It’s almost unimaginable for me to picture letting this part of myself go. Maybe that’s why this topic sparked my interest.

Hot showers, fresh-scented soaps, and clean hair are not an option; those things are happening every day. No matter what.

Maybe I’m superficial, but I love receiving compliments about my scent. I had a friend tell me the other day, “You always smell so good!” She then asked what perfume I was wearing. Of course, it was my favorite perfume ever, Versace, Yellow Diamond.

Sadly, scent is not a top priority for some people, and I’m not referring to perfume! I’m talking about keeping your private areas clean. Sounds easy enough but some people could care less about personal hygiene.

With that being said, there are exceptions for how to tell someone they smell.

Here’s what I mean. You have to take into consideration a person’s pre-existing medical issues. For example, if the person is immobile or noticeably ill, don’t say something you’re gonna regret later. This person is not your target. We want to instead offer assistance to help the person, not hurt the person.

On the other hand, if we are talking about your “Average Joe”, someone without any medical issues, it might be worth having a private talk with him or her.

An Embarrassing Story

Recently, I asked a few friends and family members to tell me about their past experiences with “Stanky Co-workers.” One of my friends had a lot to say. Her story was almost too disturbing to share on here, but I’m gonna tell you about it anyway.

Get ready for this.

So it began with one particular lady that my friend used to work with. Apparently, she had been stinking for quite some time; longer than two or three days. The stench seemed to be radiating from her “bottom half.” Can you guess which area I’m referring to? I’ll bet you have an idea…

As time went on, it got worse. The lady must have been completely oblivious to her smell. There was only one thing my friend could do. She raced to the local Dollar General and purchased six cans of apple cinnamon air freshener.

I couldn’t believe this part.

Things got real when the lady started using a small heater underneath her desk. Though the heater may have warmed her feet, it also heated another part of her body... Oh my! The warm heat literally transformed her already unbearable stench into a stanky human potpourri pot!

My friend recalled what seemed to be a battle for air space between her Apple-cinnamon Glade Spray and her co-worker’s sweet musty stank. Unfortunately, her coworker’s sweet musty stank was victorious over the Glade Spray. This left my friend feeling helpless.

She would now either learn to endure her coworker’s rancid bouquet or have the dreaded conversation.

Both of those options made her cringe.

What did my friend do?

Eventually, she got brave and had a serious talk with the lady. This was a talk that no one ever wants to have. In the end, she turned a potential cringy conversation into an effective opportunity to help someone.

What to Say

The first thing you do is get ready. So what does that mean?
Well, that means you should prepare your words in advance. Know exactly what you’re going to say before approaching the person. If you’re prepared, you’re less likely to hurt the “stinky” person’s feelings.

Start with this simple phrase, “I’m embarrassed to say…”

Easy enough right?

That’s exactly what my friend did. She took the lady to a private room and began the difficult conversation using those same words. “I’m embarrassed to say this.”

My friend is such a smart person. She thought everything through before just jumping in the conversation. I’m sure I would have opened up with something completely inappropriate.

On a side note, a co-worker once pointed out that I had a booger hanging from my nose. As embarrassing as it was, she saved me from hours of humiliation so, it was the lesser of two evils in my opinion. Funny thing, I actually liked her even more after she warned me about the booger.

Honesty can only come from someone who truly cares.

Focus on The Scent

Careful with the next step. It is crucial! Never make it about the person: make it about the scent.

So, it would go something like this, (Pretending her name is Donna.)

• “Donna, I’m embarrassed to say this but I’ve noticed you’ve been dealing with an issue lately…”

• “Is there anything going on that could be affecting your odor?”

• “Have you been experiencing any new lifestyle changes?”

Fill in the blanks however you feel appropriate. In my friend’s situation, the “smelly co-worker” said it was “her monthly” that was to blame for her pungent scent. I won’t go any further with the details, but I’m sure you can imagine why it was absolutely necessary for the conversation to happen.

If you are curious how the “smelly lady” reacted, you may be surprised. She wasn’t offended in the slightest. The lady was very open-minded and soon the “sweet musty stank” was gone.

Wow! I can’t believe how simple that was!

Keep it Short!

Have you ever found yourself talking in circles? It’s like you want to make a point, but you’re not getting there. Then, you feel like running away because you sound like an idiot.

With that said, don’t drag this torturous moment out any longer than you have to. Keep it simple and be gentle with the delivery.

End on a Good Note

This is key. Don’t leave the conversation without saying something like,

• “Thank you for talking with me”

• “I’m sure we won’t have to worry about this again.”

You can also give the person a little compliment. Mention something nice about a recent job they completed or whatever comes to your mind. Then, go pat yourself on the back because you did this out of the goodness of your heart.

Clever Ideas to Try if You’re Not Ready to Tell Someone They Smell

These products may bring some relief to you if nothing else will.

This 4-inch Holmes Heritage Desk Fan, will circulate the air and help move the funk away from your desk!

These Air Wick Plug-ins are amazing! Just plug it in and you’re done. (At least your office will smell fresh and clean.)

Dab a little Vicks VapoRub to trick your nose!

My Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you will never have to worry about a stinky co-worker. The good thing is, if you do find yourself in that predicament, you now have a better idea of how to cowboy up and put a stop to the stank.

If you have been in a similar situation, please share how you handled it. How did it make you feel? Were you successful in delivering your message?

I want to give credit to the master of all communication, Dan O’Connor, for inspiring my post. Watch his amazing video here!

For more from The Pink Bananas, check out this post!