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AIBU?

To tell a colleague that their breath smells so bad I feel sick?

87 replies

dirtywindows · 20/06/2017 21:38

Just that really. Working very closely so sitting near and talking together. I offered him water but he refused. Has a break mid morning and I offered him tea which he also refused. At lunch he didn't eat anything declaring he only ever eats one meal in the evenings. I honestly could barely concentrate and kept trying to think of how I could tactfully say - for gods sake eat something or brush your teeth because you stink and I'm going to be sick! Managed to get through the day. I don't often work with him but next time WIBU to say something? And if not then how would you say it? Or should I just carry mints to give him?

OP posts:

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Calyrical · 20/06/2017 21:39

How awkward.

If it's that bad it sounds like internal problems rather than bad hygiene - what do you think, OP? You can usually tell, I find.

Snap8TheCat · 20/06/2017 21:39

Is he Muslim? He may be observing Ramadan?

FanaticalFox · 20/06/2017 21:42

Keep offering mints he will get the hint eventually. Say things like "eugh I've got that horrible morning breath going on today!" And "yuck i skipped lunch and now i have that I'm hungry breath you know what i mean?" He will soon start to realise or become conscious of it himself. If not then eventually you have to take the direct approach.

Calyrical · 20/06/2017 21:43

He may not fox ...

tbh I have had times where I am sure my breath has not been sweet and fragrant

I wouldn't thank somebody dropping endless hints

NellieFiveBellies · 20/06/2017 21:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 20/06/2017 21:46

Does your breath smell when you're hungry?

IrritatedUser1960 · 20/06/2017 21:47

I'd leave it with my manager personally. It's the managers job to deal with this kind of shit. They get paid for it.
Pass the buck.

AgathaRaisonDetra · 20/06/2017 21:48

Report him to HR.

Sparkletastic · 20/06/2017 21:50

Is he fasting or low carbing? He might be in ketosis.

TisGlorious · 20/06/2017 21:52

Does your breath smell when you're hungry?
Yes, breath smells when you haven't eaten for a long time and the mouth becomes dry.

chanel19 · 20/06/2017 21:52

If you don't eat or drink your breath will smell , yes.
Your body isn't making any saliva to keep it moist.

Calyrical · 20/06/2017 21:52

Dame yeah, hard to explain.

chanel19 · 20/06/2017 21:54

I've just remembered.
I had a colleague with poisonous breath. He would accept gum!

dirtywindows · 20/06/2017 21:54

Snap he's not Muslim so not fasting. Even when he wasn't facing me or talking in my direction I could still smell it - in fact I could taste it! Couldn't see his teeth but imagine them to be rotten!
Agatha can't report him to HR as we are doing a voluntary job.
Will definitely take mints with me in future in case I'm working with him.....

OP posts:

StillDrivingMeBonkers · 20/06/2017 21:56

Why would you want to be so spiteful? Have you not got a better vocabulary?

Calyrical · 20/06/2017 21:56

Tbh if it's that bad mints won't help

Maudlinmaud · 20/06/2017 21:56

Oh I couldn't stand this. I'm conscious of my own breath and personal hygiene and would hate to think I smelled rank. I cannot understand how others don't look after themselves and have the gumption to realise that it's not fair on others.
Speak to your manager op.

chanel19 · 20/06/2017 21:59

Ultimately it becomes selfish to let your breath become so rancid it makes others ill.
I can not believe he wouldn't get an inkling that he wasn't that fragrant. His mouth must taste foul.
Unless it is his sinuses?

eurochick · 20/06/2017 22:00

I'd suspect tonsil stones. Maybe leave an article hanging around about them.

FanaticalFox · 20/06/2017 22:03

Its not an illness its just because he only eats once per day by his own admission and doesn't seem to drink anything all day! That will make your breath stink.

Serialweightwatcher · 20/06/2017 22:08

If there are other desks in the place, leave a mouth spray on his desk as a hint ... if he hardly eats, that's probably the reason for the bad breath ... other solution is put a teeny bit of vicks up both nostrils yours of course

NellieFiveBellies · 20/06/2017 22:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

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Cookingongas · 20/06/2017 22:09

My grandfather has serious breath problems. Halitosis or something health related. He is very embarrassed by it. Brushes teeth often. Sometimes when I'm with him it's hard not to make a face. It's awful when he stands too close.

But he can't help it. I shouldn't shame him. Nor should anyone else.

dirtywindows · 20/06/2017 22:09

Bonkers I don't want to be spiteful which is why I didn't say anything as couldn't find a kind way to say it. But honestly I've really struggled today and every other time I've worked with him. To be honest I was surprised he didn't realise as by the afternoon I had my hand permanently over my nose!

OP posts:

Jaxhog · 20/06/2017 22:10

Leave mints on his desk. Every day.

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