How to tell someone they smell?

How would I handle that situation?

Certainly not like that. Way to give someone a complex.

Hi guys,

Just wondering, how do you tell someone they stink of body odour? Recently a guy has been smelling really bad at the gym and for two sessions i've just kept it to myself out of politeness. However today he wanted to join me at the gym again and he has a bad habit of getting too close and I just couldn't bear the thought of the BO smell being in my face again so I told the guy: I'm going gym at so and so time, if you comd, please bring and use deodorant cos you smelt of BO last time and it was nauseating. I also said, let me know if I smell to and i'll put some on too.

So what happened? The guy had a hissy fit and and said he'd train alone. And when I saw him at the gym that day and said hi, he just ghosted me and avoided me all session. I mean I don't really give a crap cos I never really liked the guy but seriously, what's the man's problem? I was doing him a favour by being honest to him. There's no nice way to have that convo, and it's better to have it than not have it so the person know they reak!

Anyhow, how would you guys handle a situation like this where someone smelly just has a bad habit of following you around the gym or wherever, and you either have to tell them to sort out their smell or give you space?

Oh and i'm a very direct person and like people who are direct back to me. I don't do this wishy washy crap that some folks do. So give it to me straight what you think. No wishy washy stuff

Thanks

So someone smells of BO?
At a gym?
Where he does exercise?
And sweats a lot?
I'm struggling to see what even brought it upon yourself to talk to him about it. Sure, some people smell more than others, but this is at a gym! You're hardly expecting everyone to smell like roses are you?

You could mention something about it jokingly.

I would’ve asked if he want to borrow my deodorant. No need to add “you stink” unless they really don’t get the hint.

I'd have handled it considerably better.

Do share your secret ways. Don't want to piss anyone else off!

eg please? Something like: "Pwaarrrr, mate, use some deodorant, u whiffy!" - that kind of joke?

I didn't say it in those words. I said something like "not to be rude mate, but you smell of bo - can u use deodorant when u come gym". Also added "if i smell then let me know and i'll put some on too". Something like that. Surely that's gentle? How can I get gentler and more considerate than that? Also, I didn't do it face to face in front of everyone, was by text when he messaged me saying he wanted to join me for a session. I honestly had no intention of mentioning it, but he wanted to join me and hang out close to me again, and I couldn't have it ruining my session again like last time. I could have changed my gym day to avoid him, but could not keep up the pretence going for too long.

Meh, bit too harsh. I meant more along the lines that you could start putting on deodorant in front of him and ask him if he needs any.
Although your at a gym- of course theres going to be a bit of a lingering odor. If its that big of a problem, dont go to the gym.

Meh, bit too harsh. I meant more along the lines that you could start putting on deodorant in front of him and ask him if he needs any.

Idk “you smell of bo” and saying it’s “nauseating“ is rude to me. You could’ve just brought some lynx to the gym and ask if he needs some. He’s most likely to say yes

You said you wanted direct answers? I'm not padding it out with wishy washy stuff.

Do y'all share deodorant with others?

Nah, it's just this bloke. It's like passing a hobo on a street kind of odour. Man needs to bathe man. It's like he doesn't bathe in the morning. Disgusting people man. What kind of people don't bathe when they get up in the morning and going to work or gym or wherever.