Sharing Bad News: Telling Someone They Have Bad Breath
The news that they have halitosis probably isn't going to be particularly welcome to them, and they may dislike you momentarily for sharing the gospel.
However, it's a necessary evil.
If someone has bad breath, there's a very realistic chance they don't even know.
It's almost impossible to smell your own breath - even if you use the tried and tested "breathe into your hand and sniff" method - so they may be stinking a room up and not even know about it.
And if everyone they know is too shy or nervous to tell them, then they'll never find out.
Put yourself in their place: wouldn't you like to know, so you could do something about this most embarrassing of problems? Exactly.
So without further ado, let's go through the best ways of telling someone they have a halitosis problem...
Pick Your Moment The time and place you choose to have this unpleasant conversation is very important.
You don't want to be yelling it across the noise of a packed club, or calling someone at 8am in the morning so the first thing they hear is that they have bad breath.
Pick your moment.
Ideally, you want to be one-on-one with the person; being in a group of people will just make them feel even more uncomfortable and embarrassed.
It's also best to check that they're not in the midst of a life crisis or have recently experienced any disappointments or let downs; basically, try and catch them when they're in a good place, mentally.
Starting The Conversation Now you've got your time and place, it's time to start the dreaded conversation.
Don't bulldoze in there and suddenly say: "you know what? You have bad breath!".
Instead, ease them in to the idea that you might be about to say something they won't like, but you think it's important that they know.
Emphasise that you're only telling them because you care about them, and you want them to be aware of the problem so they can get rid of it for their own sake.
There's no harm in showing you're embarrassed by the subject matter, or that you wish you weren't having to do this.
Show that you're doing it because you care, despite the fact it makes you uncomfortable.
Hopefully, this obvious concern for their well-being will make them empathise with you.
Be Gentle It might be best to just avoid the term "bad breath" or "halitosis" altogether; instead, choose terms and words that skate around the issue while nevertheless making it clear what you mean.
"I've noticed that, sometimes, when you speak, there's an unpleasant smell.
I was just wanting to make you aware of the situation.
" Expect A Poor Outcome If you go into the conversation expecting the person you are talking to react badly, then you're going to be prepared.
They may be offended or upset, or they may just be extremely embarrassed.
Offer continual reassurance and kindness, and perhaps even a few suggestions of how they can help the problem.
Good luck!
However, it's a necessary evil.
If someone has bad breath, there's a very realistic chance they don't even know.
It's almost impossible to smell your own breath - even if you use the tried and tested "breathe into your hand and sniff" method - so they may be stinking a room up and not even know about it.
And if everyone they know is too shy or nervous to tell them, then they'll never find out.
Put yourself in their place: wouldn't you like to know, so you could do something about this most embarrassing of problems? Exactly.
So without further ado, let's go through the best ways of telling someone they have a halitosis problem...
Pick Your Moment The time and place you choose to have this unpleasant conversation is very important.
You don't want to be yelling it across the noise of a packed club, or calling someone at 8am in the morning so the first thing they hear is that they have bad breath.
Pick your moment.
Ideally, you want to be one-on-one with the person; being in a group of people will just make them feel even more uncomfortable and embarrassed.
It's also best to check that they're not in the midst of a life crisis or have recently experienced any disappointments or let downs; basically, try and catch them when they're in a good place, mentally.
Starting The Conversation Now you've got your time and place, it's time to start the dreaded conversation.
Don't bulldoze in there and suddenly say: "you know what? You have bad breath!".
Instead, ease them in to the idea that you might be about to say something they won't like, but you think it's important that they know.
Emphasise that you're only telling them because you care about them, and you want them to be aware of the problem so they can get rid of it for their own sake.
There's no harm in showing you're embarrassed by the subject matter, or that you wish you weren't having to do this.
Show that you're doing it because you care, despite the fact it makes you uncomfortable.
Hopefully, this obvious concern for their well-being will make them empathise with you.
Be Gentle It might be best to just avoid the term "bad breath" or "halitosis" altogether; instead, choose terms and words that skate around the issue while nevertheless making it clear what you mean.
"I've noticed that, sometimes, when you speak, there's an unpleasant smell.
I was just wanting to make you aware of the situation.
" Expect A Poor Outcome If you go into the conversation expecting the person you are talking to react badly, then you're going to be prepared.
They may be offended or upset, or they may just be extremely embarrassed.
Offer continual reassurance and kindness, and perhaps even a few suggestions of how they can help the problem.
Good luck!