Janet CollinsThe Bad Breath Dilemma
October 15th 2009 04:00
How do you tell a friend, a family member or even a colleague that they have bad breath? Is there a tactful way?
This topic has been doing the rounds on some of the popular radio stations lately. Even though there were numerous callers relating their experience of confronting bad breathy teachers, friends, dentists, lovers, or anyone else, there was no real good advice as to how to handle such a situation.
Most people chose to walk away or ignore it because telling someone they have bad breath is just too hard. It is probably one of those things that we always want to let people know without telling them, particularly if we want to remain friends with them.
In fact, one caller I heard said he even stopped asking a teacher questions because he couldn’t stand the teacher walking up to him and speaking closely.
I am actually one of those people who wouldn’t mind someone telling me my breath stank, just as I wouldn't mind a female friend telling me I had lipstick smeared across my teeth. I always have mints in my handbag and chew them constantly but I also know these don’t kill certain odours.
Most of us don’t want to alienate friends or others by telling them things like this but I think most people should appreciate it. Why is it so hard?
How would you tell a friend, a family member, a colleague or even a lover that their breath stinks? Is there any tactful way?
Image credit: www.guardian.co.uk
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Comment by Jason King
Sydney Table
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I know it's hard and it helps I am great firends with this lady but what do you prefer - protecting your friend from embarassment or putting up with bad breath smell? Be selfish people
Comment by Janet Collins
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I know I would like to be told. Even if it came as something like what you said or even referring to the lunch I just had and the aftersmell.
Thanks.
Comment by Jason King
Sydney Table
Salty Popcorn
Total Randomness
It could have gone so pear shaped.
Comment by Janet Collins
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