9 of 20

Write now Article Tools

I think that a consistently odorous and/or unkempt person has underlying problems which must be dealt with. Appearances - or worse yet, olfactory impressions - may indicate that this person lacks respect for others, but it may be just as true that he or she lacks respect for themself. I offer an approach to this problem which is blunt with a little class. Invite them to lunch, and at an appropriate time, drop this line on them - "You know, Fred (or whomever he or she is).....in this country people bathe daily and shop weekly. In Europe, it's the opposite. So.....how long did you live in Europe?" That's all I really had to say, but Helium requires a minimum of 350 words to this article and I have gotten use to prostituting my G-d given talents here, so let's see what else I can add.....I guess you could invite Fred out to the local country spa and after he's all washed up and relaxed, comment, "Now, how does that feel, Fred?" If it's a positive answer, just tell him, "Well, don't you think you'd feel better, then, if you got a nice long hot shower before coming to work - hmmmm?" There. The only thing I can think of if all else fails is to put in a suggestion to the boss that he have a shower installed on company premises. Maybe Fred just can't find the time to clean up in the morning. You never know what's going on in a person's life. I mean, for all you know, he may have a 90-lb. pet iguana at home which requires all his attention prior to departing for work. Maybe he lives with his mother-in-law who needs breakfast-in-bed each day, robbing Fred of his shower time. Maybe Fred can't tear himself away from the morning TV news, or violent video games. You really have no idea what's going on with a smelly person. This is the problem for normal people - trying to place yourself in the shoes of another person who is very abnormal. So these are my final comments - Peek into their office cubicle sometimes and see what they are displaying on their computer screens. You may be surprised - unpleasantly, I am guessing - by what preoccupies Fred. If all else fails, I recommend Irish Spring Soap - several bars of it taped to Fred's computer screen. He may thow it all away, but for a little while, a pleasant aroma will waft your way from his computer, and I hope I've finally met Helium's standard of 350 words here, for something which should be able to be expressed in half that length.

Learn more about this author, Cheephillippe.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Office tips: How to tell coworkers they smell bad?
We want to hear your view. Write now!