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Do you tell a stranger they have extremely bad B.O.?

I was in the grocery store today and a woman reeked. My eyes watered. She had her young son with her and he seemed to be use to it. Other shoppers were covering their noses and mouths too. We evacuated the aisles. Who would have said something? Would you have been polite and rude?

10 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    i would of gaged but would of been to shy to say anything.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Body odors are right up there on the list with foul breath. In general, one does not tell strangers about either. I am not sure how one would even go about broaching the subject. Althought it would be acceptable to talk to someone who knows them, provided you know that person. Things of this nature are usually taken care of by a family member or friend. Sad but true. Most likely the aisles will remain deserted as the woman passes through.

  • 1 decade ago

    Unless you think you will run into this stranger often, it is really none of your concern and I think the best thing to do is get out of the way and deal with it best as you can. Telling her in front of her son might be very embarrassing for her and she might not appreciate it even if your intentions are good. The best thing to do is think about how you would like the situation handled if you were the person with really bad B.O. and go with that instinct.

  • 1 decade ago

    There's nothing you can say to a stranger you won't likely see again. And why would you embarrass her in front of her child? This lady probably has a mental problem which you can't solve by telling her, "Oh by the way, you smell." This kind of problem isn't so easily solved.

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  • 1 decade ago

    keep in mind that some people are allergic to deodorant...i know it's no excuse to go around smelling like a dumpster, but in some cases people can't help it.

    also, obese people ususally smell worse due to problems bathing, once a person gets in that situation, they rarely ever notice that they smell so bad.

    pitiful, i know.

    anywho....sometimes it helps to walk by and mention to a friend..."gosh, what is that smell??"

    when the stinker hears your remark it will strike their interest about what you smell.....then hopefully they will smell theirself!

    but no, it's not really polite to walk up and say,"oh, by the way you stink really bad..and i just thought i would let you know!!"

    cuz like i mentioned.. sometimes they can't help it. other times..it's their own dang fault!

  • 1 decade ago

    Well maybe she can't afford to take a shower everyday. Or maybe she just doesn't take care of herself very well. Either one I would of just said something but tell her that I'm not trying to embarass her.

  • 1 decade ago

    I would have "subtly" gagged or said something like, "Boy, I really need some fresh air!" I wouldn't say anything to her face though.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Recomend a deoderant to her. Polite.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    say "girl you stank take a bath"

    ha. no jk [its a song if you didnt no]

    but i wouldnt say anything becuase you would think she would have realized she smelled if everyone was doing it..

    but if i did i would probably just give her a look..

  • 1 decade ago

    i think it would have been rude. let somebody related to her tell her. she will feel embarrassed if it comes from a stranger.

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