Nosy Nellie

Classrooms can be tight quarters, especially in crowded lecture halls across campus. So, if you find yourself sitting next to someone who smells, here are tips from tried and true etiquette experts. Use these to address the issue that will save your nose and the dignity of the person in question­.

Emily Post wrote “Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics, and at Home,” an elaborate book crammed with tips on how to behave and impress:
“You might say, ‘Tom, I’d like to talk to you about a difficult issue. I hope if the situation were reversed that as my friend, you would talk with me. Are you aware that you have body odor?’”

Dear Abby, the advice column founded by Pauline Phillips in 1956, answers readers’ pleas for help in all areas of life:
“You must tell her! But do it with kindness ... Tell her it is essential that she bathe and change all her clothes daily. (P.S. If she is bodily clean, and her clothes are clean, she should see a doctor. A strong body odor can be a symptom of a serious disease.)”

Anne the Agony Aunt, the British version of Dear Abby, gives insight to those in dire need:
“Say something like, ‘I’m awfully sorry to be the one to tell you, but I like you and it’s something that will help you so please forgive me. I’m afraid you have a problem with body odour.’”

Christine Adamson, senior elementary education major
“When my brother was going through puberty and would smell bad, I’d say, ‘Ew, you smell like boy. Go put on deodorant.’ I think he felt kind of bad at first, but then he got used to it.

“I also work with first-graders, and they have hygienic problems, but I can’t tell them they smell. So if they get really close to me or something, what I generally do is say, ‘You’re in my bubble. My personal space.’ Then they just giggle and back off.”