How do you tell someone that they stink?
Question:I know what the source is. Its my sister in law and her hubby and kids. They always all smell like they left the clothes in the washer for 2 days and they mildewed. They live in a very nice house, very clean people. They just need to change the laundry over sooner. Im sure Im not the only one who smells it on them. Should I say something?
Answers:
Sure!
DOn't say this: GOWD your whole family stinks and has stunk for ages!
Do say this: Hmmm, that sweater you're wearing smells a little mildewy...was it sitting in the washer?
Then you can go into a fake story about how you did this and everything you had in the wash stunk and hmmm maybe your sister in law should check everyone's clothes...?
I know exactly the smell you are talking about-sometimes washcloths get that stink and it's pretty bad.
Ask them if they bathe in french onion soup.
Very carefully.
go shopping with them sumtime and buy some good smelling laundry detergent and also fabric softener. tell them it smells so good casually.
yes be honest but dont be harsh or maybe you could bring up laundry soap and see if talking about that might change the way they think about it
buy them deoderant
Ewww...have your husband tell her in a nice way away from the kids and her husband. Since it's his sister, she will less likely be mad at him and she'll get over it faster. There is usually enough tension between inlaws without adding the "you stink" comment.
I would bring dryer sheets over, and say something to her like, " I use this at home, and put the clothes in the dryer right away, and then they smell so good ". Or maybe tell your brother
You could carefully say something like "Do you smell that" when one of them are close. You could tell them that you used to have that problem and recommend a nice smelling dryer sheet.
Definitely let them know. Be as nice and polite as you can.
They may not smell it since they've been around it for a while.
You could try giving them a helpful hint when it comes to doing the laundry. Like putting the clothes in the dryer as soon as they have finished washing. May also suggest a certain fabric softener. They do need to know, kids at school are very cruel when it comes to things like this, so please tell them.
Just say that they stink but tell them very slow and say that you are sorry if you hurt their feelings.
Plug your nose everytime you're around them or wear a sars mask, they'll get the idea
do your best with out being offensive let them know your not hurting but helping they may get angry but it is a sensitive subject
You might rave about some laundry detergent that has antibacterial properties to let them know you like it. Then show up with some and tell them it was on sale.
White lies can be a good idea with in laws.
If it's your husband's sister have him tell her in a very nice way. If it's your brother's wife tell your brother but be very careful.
Aside from the gag factor...think thats a bit too much actually...just bring it up casually. Example, when the kids come over, carry them...give them a biiig hug and kiss, and then make a mention of the smell. But don't overkill your reaction...in fact, use a puzzled look and say..."hmmm, when you guys dry your clothes after washing them, do you let it sit for awhile?" And when they ask "why", then say, "no, their shirt smells a bit like that. It doesn't smell bad, but this type of scent can cause some allergies." I know it sounds pretty heinous, but seriously, its all in the delivery. And better it come from family, then from someone else..Its obvious you care that much about them that you wanna help them out, so no worries, your heart will serve it's purpose.
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