Do Better, Be Better: Life Advice with S. Tia Brown

January 5th, 2012 - By Beverly Forde
"S. Tia Brown"

Got questions about what's next in your life? Ask Tia.

Dear Tia,

I have a co-worker who is beautiful, friendly and great at her job. There is only one issue: She smells. Our office is set up with lots of cubicles and very few people have private work places. In addition, we often confer to go over details of current projects. The communal nature of our work environment means that we interact with each other often, and people talk. My co-worker has become the butt of many office jokes. She smells when she passes by and we can always tell when she’s been in the ladies’ room. Here’s my dilemma: Do I tell her? I’m sure her odor impacts the way she is perceived by higher ups. In addition, it’s hard sitting through meetings with her present. Plus, I’m tired of all the chatter behind her back. What should I do? — Funky Office Politics

Dear FOP,

Sorry that you’re nostrils are suffering in silence. I find it hard to believe that this woman has no idea that a pungent odor is permeating from her body, which likely means she ok with it or can’t control smell (it may be a medical issue). Since you haven’t indicated that you are friends with this woman, I suggest that you clip your nose and mind your manners. Instead of taking it directly to her, address it with your supervisor. Inform him or her of issue, and ask them to handle in the appropriate way based on the company’s corporate policy.

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  • donmako

    It terrible to go behind someones back with an issue without first right of refusal. I believe the offender has the right to know before anyone else. Always strive to be forthright, honest, and tactfull

  • Rezberry35

    Honestly, i would tell her.I would take her out for lunch or take her to a nice setting an tell her that she sorta has a bad odor on her and that the reason i am telling you is because i care and if it was me,i would hope that you would do the same,,I would not tell the boss as she may become embarrassed and  know that someone told…But i would’nt say it’s a shame but a lot of times women and men are so used to the way that they smell that they actually get used to it and sometimes bad body odor should be brought to their attention.t’s not that someone is being mean or trying to be funny,but i think it’s called being  concerned and being nice,while being respectful to everyone involved. and showing that you care.She may not know that she has an odor or she may think it is unnoticeable…Sometimes if it is a fishy odor,maybe she has a partner that keeps her smelling this way ,so she may feel like oh well noone is gonna notice..But all in all,tell her in private and be respectful and sincere.

  • FromUR2UB

    I usually think it’s a good idea for kids to go away to college, to acquire new experiences and perspectives of the world.  But it doesn’t sound like this girl had taken her education seriously.  She can be average anywhere, so it seems the local college should be good enough.  She can always transfer later if she wants to, maybe after two years there.  If she doesn’t even make it to two years, her parents will have saved the money they would have wasted on housing, travel and the other expenses related to sending a child away to college. 

  • ClassyInHtown

    Before I commit to a life coach, there are several things I need to know about the coach:

    1.) Educational background
    2.) Is this person married or in a healthy relationship? For how long?
    3.) Their net worth.
    4.) Their credit score.
    5.) Their criminal background.
    6.) Resume
    7.) Taking any psych meds?

    If they can’t provide me with these things, I’ll have to pass.