At what point does it become OK to tell someone they stink?

[LostInAnomie]

How bad does it have to get before it becomes socially acceptable to flat out tell someone that they need to wash their ass?

[S n o w b a l l]

1. Unless it's a family member or good friend...

i wouldn't feel comfortable doing it. I'm not sure it's ever appropriate. But, I'm one that would suck up and feel naseaus then to offend or hurt someone's feelings.

[Shell Beau]

2. Well, that is always a hard issue. But, I think

people should be aware of what others are thinking. If you do it in the most un-offensive way possible, that would be better than letting someone go around stinking. But some people are all for the natural smell! In that case :shrug:

[july302001]

3. that depends on the situation...

If you're acquaintances with them, OK.

If you're trying to play games to get someone run off from a job, or a similar situation, NEVER.

If it's someone who rides a bicycle to work/school, see if there are changing facilities available where they can freshen up. Then, you can probably suggest nicely...just don't tell them to quit riding the bicycle and make sure they understand that you're on board with riding the bike.

If the person has told you they have significant health problems, then i guess there's not a whole lot anyone can do about it.

If it's your boss that stinks, well then you better be careful - it could come back to haunt you. :dilemma:

[Ms_Dem_Meanor]

4. If it's a friend...

Be apologetic while telling them one on one.
If it's a co-worker, I know that something has to be in the company policy about appearances.
If it's a total stranger, Hell, go for it and say it.

[spindrifter]

5. I work with someone who from

time to time stops bathing. His clothing is totally revolting--and he is a professional person who sees clients daily. At one point I told him he had to wash his jacket (outdoor one) because it smelled terrible. He did it. He never seemed to hold it against me--nor, of course, did he thank me.
I think that sometimes you just have to take the bull by the horns and tell people that they are offensive/offending.

[Xipe Totec]

6. When you enter the Hurl Radius

Either tell them, or hurl on their shoes.


Either method gets the point across.

[Strawman]

7. I couldn't do it

Had a friend that f'ing REEKED. I just couldn't tell him. I even told my other friends that they'd better be nice and not hurt this person's feelings by telling him either.

[Generic Brad]

8. When they ask to share a sleeping bag with you

That would be too close for comfort for me.

[The Traveler]

9. If your eyes are watering

it is way past time ...

:)