Hygiene
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
If you see a period stain on someone's pants, tell them discreetly so they can address it, even if it cannot be fixed instantly.
Do not let them go through life with the stain.
one person who lived it
Compliment their perfume first, then explain that you are sensitive to strong smells in small spaces and ask if they could use less.
The scent is causing headaches for those sensitive to strong odors in confined areas.
one person who lived it
Use the phrase 'bad breath' instead of 'stink' because it is less abrasive.
its less abrasive
one person who lived it
Preserve the person's dignity by not discussing their hygiene issues with others.
Talking about it implies people are discussing them behind their back.
2 people, independently
If you need to tell someone they smell, suggest the odor might be from their clothes or something they stepped on rather than their body.
4 people, independently
Hold conversations about hygiene one-on-one in a private setting to cut down on embarrassment.
To cut down on embarrassment.
one person who lived it
Ask the teacher to intervene or request a seat change, explaining the issue so they can potentially involve a counselor.
The teacher might realize the student needs help and connect them with support services.
one person who lived it
Scrape your tongue regularly to remove bacteria buildup that causes bad breath.
Tongues act like Velcro for nasty little bacteria.
one person who lived it
Tell the person about a third party's comment, such as from a customer, regarding their breath or smell.
It makes the feedback feel less personal coming from you.
one person who lived it
4 more on this
Politely but directly ask roommates to wash their sheets because they are starting to smell.
Phrasing it as 'starting to smell' conveys the message gently.
one person who lived it
Send the message via text to reduce embarrassment, but avoid using a fake account to prevent the recipient from overthinking the sender's identity.
Text is less embarrassing; fake accounts cause the recipient to overthink who it is.
one person who lived it
Endure the odor on a plane if no other seating options are available.
There is nowhere else to go, and speaking to the person is unlikely to yield results since they probably cannot do anything in that situation.
one person who lived it
Offer mints or gum discreetly by taking one yourself first and offering a piece to the other person to signal the issue without direct confrontation.
3 people, independently