Should I mention a friend’s persistent body odour or stay quiet?

[ItsStillWork]

My friend absolutely stinks of BO to the point that once she’s moved from a certain area the smell of BO still very strongly lingers.

she has loads of friends, loads of family contact yet it doesn’t appear that anyone has said anything to her.

we’ve only been in touch a few years after losing touch for 20 years (she never smelt before) and I noticed the smell straightaway. I thought at first it was just a one off, but everytime I see her (every 6 months or so) she’s really pungent.

it’s putting me off meeting up with her, but I want to meet her as I enjoy her company etc.

i don’t know whether to say anything to her, I’m not the most tactful person so I’m putting off saying anything.

I think it’s both.

i still haven’t mentioned it to her, dh thinks I’ll lose her as a friend if I mention it

Really difficult.

I think it's better to say but she could be embarrassed and it could impact your friendship.

This is actually true. Some medical conditions (diabetes I believe) create body odour.

@examworries2026id want to know. Just tell her you’re sorry to say but you’ve noticed a bad breath smell and worried she has a tooth that needs some attention. I’d be mortified but immediately do something. I’m off to clean my teeth now and ask for my breath to be checked