Is there a polite way to tell someone

Not really.

No one likes to hear that they stink so no.

Well, I don't think its really s question of politeness, it's embarrassment. And however it's said it's going to be embarrassing to hear.

So kindly, alone and simply I guess.

Is it appropriate for you to tell her?

if her hygiene is less than stellar..she knows

people of average intelligence understand that not washing makes a person stink

i've, on occasion, sniffed my own pits in the stinky persons presence and said 'it's so hot, i sure hope my deodorant hasn't failed me'

if they don't take a hint....walk in front of her from now on

gina

I dont think there is anyway that you can say something with out offending her completely. She has no experience with you and doesnt know if you are well meaning or not. out likely if you say something, she will never come back to VBS. I would not say anything.

I can't think of a good way.

It is very doubtful that she does not already know she smells badly.


Also, I would like to add that many cultures have a different idea of what bad body odor is. Some cultures that do not drink milk think that people who do drink milk smell like spoiled milk.

Also, people who eat Indian food daily will smell of the spices that are in the food.

And as mentioned upthread, perhaps it is a medical issue that she cannot treat easily.

I would err on the side of NOT mentioning the potenially embarrassing topic of her body odor.

I love this and I'm still giggling. 

I don't think it's possible for someone that stinky not to know. Maybe in her culture they don't believe in anti perspirant or don't mind the smell. I would say nothing, and keep my distance.

You don't know her? Yikes!!!

I do think that some people have no idea of how poorly they smell. They always smell that way and don't smell what the other person smells. I know of one lady like this. That being said, don't say anything. If you don't know her, you probably aren't going to come off as helpful. I taught ten year olds who often needed to use deodorant and sometimes the parent seemed surprised that other kids were making comments about their child's smell. People's sniffers are all different. I know mine is overly sensitive. I can't walk into a Kirkland's without hallucinating.

Love this ^^^

I'm not bold enough to say that with a stranger though.

Not really. I worked with a guy who had it so bad that our eyes would burn. We worked in a small room with no windows. We finally, after nice attempts to tell him we had to go to management and ask them to help!

nope. not when it comes to BO.   I would never embarrass someone like that. what if it's a medical condition and not lack of good hygiene?  you that condition that makes women especially foul in their lady bits? what if it's that and there is nothing she (assuming it's a she) can do?