Let’s be honest: one of the most awkward conversations you can ever have is telling someone they smell bad. Nobody wants to be the bearer of bad news, but at the same time, you don’t want to let a friend, coworker, or even a stranger walk around unaware. The truth is, body odor is natural but sometimes deodorant stops working, sometimes people forget, and sometimes life just happens.

I had this exact situation happen recently.

I was in a space with a group of women, and one of them clearly had deodorant that just wasn’t holding her down. At first, I brushed it off. It was a travel day, long hours, and I didn’t want to be “that girl” who points it out. But after a couple of days, it became harder to ignore.

Then, someone suggested I should step in since I had deodorant with me. Now, how do you tell a grown woman, someone respected, someone of stature, that she smells without embarrassing her?

Here’s what worked for me:

1. Come From a Place of Love

Your tone matters more than your words. I approached her gently and said, “Hey, quick question. I actually have some deodorant upstairs. Would you like some?” No shade. No side-eye. Just love and a solution.

2. Offer Help, Not Judgement

Notice I didn’t say, “You smell.” I simply offered her deodorant. That gave her space to save face and even explain that her deodorant wasn’t working that day. Often, people already know something’s off. They just need support, not shame.

3. Make It Easy

I placed the deodorant on her bed and walked away. No big scene, no awkward waiting for her reaction. When she saw me later, she thanked me genuinely. And honestly, that moment reminded me: people appreciate help when it’s given with kindness.

4. Think About the Bigger Picture

In her case, she was headed to an event for her business. The last thing I wanted was for her to feel uncomfortable or self-conscious in a professional setting. A little care can go a long way in protecting someone’s confidence.

The Takeaway: Be Honest, But Be Gentle

If you ever find yourself in this situation, remember: honesty doesn’t have to be harsh. By offering a solution instead of just pointing out the problem, you’re helping someone, not hurting them.

And listen, sometimes deodorant really just isn’t working. That’s where Play Pits comes in. Made with natural ingredients that fight odor all day, it’s strong enough for adults but gentle enough for kids. Whether you’re traveling, heading to a big event, or just living life, Play Pits has your back (and your pits).

Because the truth is, everyone deserves to step into the room feeling fresh and confident.