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I absolutely hate it

that a girl can come into class smelling like she's swam in the sewer and has enough B.O. for 10 teenage girls and still not have anything said to her. I mean, seriously. I cannot focus on my work with her in the same room. There are things people can do to get clean and smell better. I'm sorry, but these are the things that cause me to become mean. It's ignorant and nasty. I wish I could throw a bar of soap at her. And the teacher just says we need to be tolerant.

Now, I imagine that perhaps her family does not have running water, or she is really depressed and cannot take a shower or a bath. But THERE ARE THINGS TO DO ABOUT IT.

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Tatsumi · 31-35, M

Gift her some purfume at some holiday?

Or, yeah. You could just tell her politely that she smells.

insidiousisblindinception · 26-30, F

@Tatsumi How do you even begin to say that to someone, especially if you're not their friend or acquaintance?

Tatsumi · 31-35, M

@insidiousisblindinception I don't really know. But I know that you can say anything, if you say it the right way. It's all about tact and grace.

Ask if you can speak with them privately, give them a compliment first--an honest one--then prepare them that the conversation is going to be a bit uncomfortable, then tell them directly but politely, "I hope this doesn't offend you, but are you aware that you have an unpleasant smell?" Don't let them know other people think the same, to spare them embarrassment. Then you could offer potential solutions. Afterwards, thank them for telling you. Then maybe, "I just wanted to say something, because if I smelled I would hope someone would tell me."