Trivial problems

TheSite gives you advice on trivial, but embarrassing mate dilemmas.

1. Volunteer yourself

Whether you've noticed a persistent niff, or everyone you know is talking behind their back about how badly they reek, you owe it to your friend to put them in the picture.

2. Pick your moment

Think how it would feel to be your mate right now. Everything is fine and dandy, apart from the nagging belief that people keep taking a step back when you're near them. The last thing you need right now is for someone to step right up in front of all your mates, and say: "We think you should know your personal odour makes us want to retch." No. You'd want to be told in private, in such a way that keeps embarrassment to a minimum.

3. Present the facts

We all sweat. It's nature's way of keeping us from over-heating. The niffy bit only kicks in when sweat on the skin is broken down by bacteria, but that doesn't make someone "dirty" or "unclean", as much depends on factors such as the rate someone perspires, the climate and humidity. So, armed with that knowledge, it's just a question of quietly flagging up the fact that a ramped up washing routine could leave them smelling fresh as a daisy. The key is to do so in your own words.

4. Keep things in perspective

Don't make a big song and dance about your mate's standard of personal hygiene - just let them see you have their best interests at heart. If you can keep things to a quick, quiet word, just to alert them to the situation, they'll respect your tact and feel more relaxed about scrubbing up their cleanliness routine.

5. Laugh in the face of embarrassment

Chances are, s/he's going to feel a bit awkward or embarrassed when you raise the issue, but that's only natural. What matters is that they can count on you to lead them safely from The Woods of Shame by moving on without making a drama out of their personal crisis.

6. "We never spoke, alright?"

There's no need to raise the issue again, unless of course they turn to you for more advice on the issue. If the problem persists, however, it might be wise for them to get checked out by a GP, just to check for any underlying medical issue that may need to be addressed.