Is it socially acceptable to tell somebody that his breath and mouth smell are n

1. 61

   Mahmoposted 10 years ago

   Is it socially acceptable to tell somebody that his breath and mouth smell are not nice ?
   
   I do mean a person who is not a friend but he comes for regular meetings with me in a joint business.

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2. 61

   Acmonteroposted 10 years ago

   I personally don't think it is okay. I would just try to avoid being so close to the person so I won't smell it. I know in the back of my mind I will be thinking, "well if I tell them, they won't be embarrassing themselves with others". Unfortunately, the way I was raised it would be incorrect for me to tell them that their breath not smelling so nice.

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3. 61

   VanHidposted 10 years ago

   That is a difficult answer. I think that telling another something like this straight up can be offensive, however,  they will be embarrassing themselves with other people. I think it depends on the person and their culture and also on the relationship they have. I personally would tell if they are my friends and family.  I rather embarrassed them with me than the world.

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4. 84

   Express10posted 10 years ago

   It may or may not be socially acceptable to tell someone this depending upon the situation. However, if you can tell this truth to the person in a tactful manner and one-on-one, then you may find fast changes in the person's breath and more importantly, the person will see positive changes in their interactions with others, business related and not.
   
   I had to tell someone who I worked with this very thing. They were a close-talker as they say and even when they were 3 or 4 feet away it was still possible for their breath to knock all thoughts of the tasks at hand out of your mind. Eventually I told them in the most tactful manner that I could when we were alone. They got upset with me, thought about it, and changed their ways. It takes guts to do this or enough offense at another person's odor to give it a go of discussing. Best of luck to you whatever you choose. GOD help you if it's your boss!

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5. 92

   Cre8torposted 10 years ago

   In your situation I would perhaps keep a bowl of mints on my desk or table for when he comes in and offer them each visit in hopes that he will get the hint. If not, then I suppose it depends on how much of a bother this is and will it be worth the chance of upsetting them. Particularly in a joint business.

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   1. 61

      Mahmoposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      But we usually serve sweets including pieces of mints to the guests as gesture of hospitality, I mean the matter will not give hint to a particular issue.

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   2. 92

      Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I see. Then I suppose it's a matter of is it worth the risk of upsetting him. I don't think its rude but perhaps he will not feel the same. I'm sorry of your perdicament.

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      Express10posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      You have made a great suggestion but I've been around people with horrid breath, offered them a mint or gum and they refused. These can be tricky situations, no one wants to offend and they don't want their sense of smell offended either.

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   4. 61

      Mahmoposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I do agree with Express10,  for example some guests refuse the mint or any sweet because they are diabetic .

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6. 60

   Silverspeederposted 10 years ago

   Halitosis is better than no breath at all!

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7. 60

   maverickmonkposted 10 years ago

   offer him some mints every time he approaches you with that bad breath and if he doesn't understand then i dont see any problem in communicating with him as it effects everyone

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   1. 61

      Mahmoposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Pls see my comments on Cre8tor's answer.

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8. 0

   Nadia Ribaduposted 9 years ago

   OMG, what a question!  LOL....
   
   If the person ISN'T a friend, it would be even MORE inappropriate to say such a thing,  You might lose your teeth!  However, if it's a friend, you should be able to find a NICE way of telling him or her.

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