Q: An acquaintance has bad body odor. What, if anything, can I do?
A: Since you are just an acquaintance, it would be best not to say anything to him about his problem. Speaking up directly could embarrass him greatly.
The only way you could try to help is to mention the problem discreetly to someone who knows him well. You could suggest to the good friend that he could say something like, “Matt, I’ve noticed that you have the same problem I do with perspiration. I didn’t know what to do until I tried this product. It worked for me, and it might work for you, too.” Even if Matt is embarrassed initially, he probably will appreciate his friend’s concern.
If the acquaintance is a coworker and his problem is hindering his ability to interact with others, you might say something in confidence to his supervisor, who in turn could speak to him discretely.






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Or a direct, polite anonymous note? Rather chicken, but easier all way around, or not?