Make a big stink over smelly neighbour

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This article was published 05/05/2019 (2704 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: I have an issue with a neighbour. He smells awful. This is a grown man who has lived single for most of his life. When I moved in, I felt sorry for him. Whenever I saw him in the halls I’d chat with him and never really noticed the stink.

A while ago, I mentioned I had an issue with one of my radiators and he insisted on helping me. I let him in and the whole apartment filled with his body odour. Being a shy person, I didn’t say anything. While breathing through my mouth, I kept up conversation. Turns out he is a pretty smart guy, and we had a great chat.

It looks like I have a new buddy now, as he wants to come hang out almost every day. I find him interesting enough to be a friend, but I can’t be around him because he stinks. Also, I don’t hang out with my regular friends as often as this guy wants to.

I really don’t know what to do. If I tell him he smells, he might be hurt. Even if he isn’t, how do I tell him I don’t want to hang out every day, smelly or not?

— Stuck with the Awful Stink, Downtown

Dear Stuck With Stink: Buy a super strong antiperspirant and hand it to him and say, “Buddy, you don’t notice it but your body odour is very strong, and you need to shower every day and then use this. I find it’s great for me.”

He may be crushed enough he doesn’t come over anymore, but you’re actually doing him a big favour by telling him, even if he’s offended.

You may enjoy his friendship more if he stops stinking, but you’d best get busy outside the apartment more often, so he doesn’t see you as a “roomie across the hall.”

You can bet he’s a lonely man, surrounded by his ever-present cloud of body odour.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: My family thinks I have an eating problem. I’m a tall, skinny man, always have been. I don’t check my weight ever, but I eat light and my metabolism is strong. The last four times I visited, my mom sat me down, asked if I was OK, then asked outright if I was starving myself.

While it may look that way, I don’t think I have a problem. I just think she’s worried because she’s my mom. I don’t live at home anymore and it’s getting to the point where I’m starting to avoid phone calls from her, and I dread visits because she’ll give me the same old guilt trip. How can I get her to understand I don’t have a problem?

— Overactive Metabolism, Southdale

Dear Metabolism: The key here is to remember your mom loves you and genuinely wants the best for you. If you truly want her to stop asking about your health, you need to show her you are healthy. Invite her over for dinner and cook it yourself. Make sure you touch on all the food groups while still making it fun and delicious. And be sure to give her a big dessert. It may take her some time to see you aren’t starving.

You mentioned you have a strong metabolism, yet eat light. Why? Consider the fact that while you may not be intentionally starving yourself, your body may need more calories than it’s receiving. Spend a bit of time online and look up some of the best diets for people with your body type. If you have an overactive metabolism, you certainly aren’t the first person built that way. There are lots of solutions online to ensure people are living a healthy life. But I think you should also see a doctor to check out all your levels.

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6.

Miss Lonelyhearts
Advice Columnist

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