Dear Janice: 'How do I tell my friend she smells?'

How do I tell my friend she smells?

Her body odour is awful, and she seems oblivious to it.

This problem only began a few weeks back, and I really don’t know why, because she was perfectly fine before.

What I can’t get my head around is that her husband must be aware of this and has obviously said nothing.

Should I ignore this too and hope her odour improves?

Perhaps her husband has dropped some unsubtle hints, and she took them as harmless teasing – who knows – but it is your duty as a friend to bring this smelly situation to her attention.

Yes, it will be awkward, but how would you feel if people were talking about your personal hygiene, and your best friend said nothing?

Something in her life has changed, which is causing this waft of unpleasant odour.

Perhaps she has put on weight, or her hormone levels have shifted, her diet has changed, she is taking supplements, or is under stress ... the list goes on.

Or there could be more serious issues like diabetes, infections or liver problems, among others.

Bite the bullet and say you’ve noticed her deodorant isn’t working anymore, and suggest she visits her GP because you’re concerned something has changed, and it’s better to get to the bottom of it.

She will thank you for your honesty.

My best friend is moving abroad with her fiancé, and I am distraught.

We have been friends forever, and I can’t imagine how I will cope when she is not here.

I know the south of France isn’t the other side of the world, but it might as well be.

Her parents are having a surprise leaving party, but I’m not going as I know I will blub the whole night.

How do I get my head around the fact that someone I see or speak to daily won’t be here anymore?

It certainly will be a surprise party if her lifelong best friend isn’t there!

I sympathise, but your friend is moving, and you need to accept that.

This isn’t just about you.

I imagine your friend will be anxious and nervous about relocating abroad, and she is not just leaving you; she is leaving everyone close to her.

So, stop with the self-pity and start supporting your friend.

Look on the positives.

You’ll have endless cheap holidays, discovering a beautiful part of Europe with your personal tour guide, and the likelihood is that she will be home now and then for visits.

Also, the time difference is minimal, so you can speak or videocall every day.

One thing I can assure you is that if you miss her farewell party, you will forever regret it.

Bubble together as much as you need to, but give her a great send-off, and start making plans to visit your best buddy as soon as you can.

Got a question for our agony aunt?

Email askjanice@glasgowtimes.co.uk

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