A Stinky Situation - How To Approach Your Friend About Their Halitosis

Do you know someone with, well, really bad breath? Halitosis—bad breath in lay terms—is one of those embarrassing problems that no one really wants to talk about. But it's out there. It is nearly impossible to go a day without getting a whiff of bad breath, be it yours or someone else's. If you find that someone else's breath is continually bothering you, should you do something about it? Should you speak up and broach the subject with that person, or should you just try to avoid them altogether. This is a sticky situation with a lot of different opinions. Here is some advice to guide you through the landmine of personal relations and bad breath.

The Question of Familiarity – How Well Do You Know the Person?

There are a lot of differing opinions on this matter. Some people believe that you should not approach a person regarding the state of their breath if you do not already know them very well. Others believe that it does not really matter how well you know someone; if you have to work closely with this person, and thus catch a whiff of their breath on a regular basis, you are obligated to let them know. Most people seem to fall on the side that you should not tell someone unless you truly feel obligated to do so. That is, do you feel that person would be inclined to be grateful, or would you just make them feel bad and resentful? Consider these questions carefully before you act.

The Question of Avoidance – Is This Person Someone You Deal With Closely?

Another question to ponder when it comes to informing someone about their bad breath has to do with avoidance. That is, is this a person that you can avoid, or is it someone that you see on a fairly regular basis? If it is someone you only bump into occasionally, you should probably let the matter drop altogether. What's the use of telling someone they have bad breath if you do not even have to deal with it very often? This also has to do with the question of how intimate you are with the person in question. Is this a person you are intimate in; a spouse or partner? Is this someone you work with closely; a colleague? Consider the possible consequences of telling the person what's on your mind.

The Question of Secrecy – Should You Leave the Person a Minty Fresh Care Package?

Another thing to consider when you are dealing with a person who has less than fresh breath has to do with the matter of secrecy. That is, should you be furtive and secretive about telling them? Should you leave them an anonymous note or a care package stocked with breath freshening products? This is scenario, although it appears to be the easiest way out, is probably best left avoided. Consider the feelings of the person who will receive this hypothetical package. How would you feel about this scenario if the shoe were on the other foot?