How do I talk to my friend about his poor hygiene? He hasn't showered/bathed/cha

1. 54

   Kathy Hudockposted 8 years ago

   How do I talk to my friend about his poor hygiene? He hasn't showered/bathed/changed clothes for 3mo
   
   I thought that maybe he didn't have clothes so I bought him socks, underwear, jeans and t-shirts at Christmas..its almost 6 months. I have been thru hard times and have no choice but to rent a room from him with My 2dogs.I am afraid my dogs and myself will get sick from being around him..how do I tell him my concerns. Washer/dryer and hot water  are used by me..I don't.understand this..

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2. 84

   Austinstarposted 8 years ago

   Offer to do his laundry so he will have clean clothes. Tell him straight out that he needs to bathe more often. It's like telling someone they need to comb their hair or they need to drink more water. Just be honest.
   Some people are totally unaware of their body odor. Maybe they don't have a working nose. Who knows?
   But just be honest and say something like, "You may not realize how sensitive my nose is, so I have to ask you to bathe and shower more frequently, please."
   Or just say, "I would really appreciate it if you would shower more often. My nose is really sensitive."
   Ask him to do it as a favor to you. Ask him what kind of soap he prefers, or what kind of shampoo.

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3. 74

   Besarienposted 8 years ago

   Is he Jewish? If so, it is possible he is in mourning. There are laws for mourners - not washing clothes, no bathing, no acquiring new clothes, letting hair and nails grow are a few.
   
   If not, I would say your friend may be suffering from depression as all this may also be a symptom of that.
   
   Like Austinstar, I would have a gentle talk to find out what is going on with him. He might need medical help.

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4. 80

   dashingscorpioposted 8 years ago

   Life is a (personal) journey.
   You don't get to tell other people when to shower or change their clothes. Your only option is to choose not to be around them.
   However you said: "I have been thru hard times and {have no choice} but to rent a room from him with My 2dogs."
   Is he the only person in your town that has a room available for rent?
   What if he died today? Where would you go? What would you do?
   Very rarely is there a situation where we have but (only one) choice!
   Is he the only friend you have? Do you have family you could go stay with? Can you place your dogs in a loving home and find some government subsidized housing?... or Is living with him the only option {you want}?
   People only change when (they) are unhappy.  It's (his) house.
   Very few people are walking around with one hand raised in the air and screaming: "I'm looking for someone to change me!"
   There are only two ways to experience joy and peace of mind in relationships: We either get what we want or we learn to be happy with what we have. Accept them as (is) or move on.
   Why is being around someone whom you can't stand the smell of your (only option)? or Do you consider it to be the (cheapest) option? or the one that requires the least amount of (effort) on your part?
   Can you do better? You have to be honest with yourself.
   The world may not owe you anything but you owe yourself the world!

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