Annie’s Mailbox: Smelly coworker makes uneasy situation

Dear Annie: I work in a small department within a larger corporation. One of my co-workers is a rather large gentleman who has very bad body odor. I am a larger gal myself, and I sweat more than others. I know this, so I bathe daily and use antiperspirant.

This co-worker comes into the office smelling this way, so he probably doesn’t shower every morning. He works with the public, and I can’t help but wonder what kind of an impression he leaves about our department. I am not the only one who has noticed this, but I am not comfortable enough to talk directly to this person. Should our supervisor say something? Please help. – Suffocating in Saskatchewan

Dear Suffocating: Some body odors are hard to control, so it’s best not to make assumptions. It’s possible that this man bathes daily and wears deodorant and it still isn’t enough. It could be the detergent he washes his clothes in, his shampoo or soap, or even an ineffective deodorant.

Someone needs to talk to this co-worker and suggest that he speak to his doctor. The supervisor is the best one to do this, making it an issue of office professionalism and not personal judgment. We know this is difficult for anyone to do, but frankly, the supervisor would be doing him a huge favor.

Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please email your questions to anniesmailbox@ creators.com, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.