How Do You Confront Others About Their Poor Hygiene?
• Speak to them without scolding them. Find an out of the way place, and ask some important questions about how they have been. Sometimes a lack of hygiene is the result of depression. Before you lecture them on the virtues of soap, find out if anything is wrong that you do not already know about. • Be direct and forthright. Nothing is gained by beating around the bush, the conversation is going to awkward no matter what. Think of this conversation as being like surgery, it will hurt them but it will help too. Don’t bring in anyone else or joke about it. Show concern for their welfare. • Be specific about the problem. Again, trying to spare their feelings might lead you to be unclear. If the person in question is not bathing frequently enough, tell them so. Do not be rude, but do not sugar-coat the truth either. Offer to help if you can. Perhaps the person does not know how to wash laundry, or does not know what to buy for their shower. Especially among freshmen in college you may find
