Tactfully addressing DH's smells and lack of grooming??

[Writergirl]

I love my DH and he has loads of good points.

However, he hasn't got the most rigorous personal hygiene regime.

He has a shower every day, but doesn't use soap.
He brushes his teeth once a day, but to be perfectly frank, he has quite bad breath a lot.
He never clips his toenails, just rips them off or leaves them long, and then they'l scratch me when I get into bed.
He's 45 and frankly sometimes he smells like my grandfather used to.
He doesn't have BO, but does smell pretty strong, I think.
Frankly, I never see him wash his hands, either before preparing a meal or after being out and about all day.

Also, he generally just doesn't look after himself - he has rashes and verucas on his feet, which he picks at and doesn't treat.

It is becoming a problem as I am reluctant to kiss him and get physically close to him, and he's obviously getting a vibe.

I find it very hard to raise difficult subjects and am stuck as to how to address this tactfully. To be honest an ex-colleague did raise the breath thing with him once, in a crazy brutal way, and he made a few changes, so he'll know it isn't new.

I am sad that we are missing out on intimacy, as other than that he is a fantastic bloke, he dresses smartly and fashionably, but I know that if he took better care of himself I'd be more physical towards him, especially with initiating kissing.

Any constructive remarks very welcome.

Thanks!

Very true, Art. I think Writer's chap is out of order here. I would find it very off-putting in my other half.

My DP showers every morning and after playing sport. Uses shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. He uses deodorant after each shower, and usually "perfume" as well. (Seems wrong to call it aftershave, he's got a beard!)

He does his teeth twice a day, and an extra time if he's going out in the evening. He wears clean pants and socks every day and a clean shirt for work. If he only wears a t-shirt for a few hours in the evening it'll do a few days, but this is usually after a workout or game of squash, so he's fully clean and deodorised first.

He cuts his nails when they need doing; I'm never aware of it.

Good luck with Having A Word.