No one likes being reminded about body odor. Whether the comment is made with good intentions or just a casual remark, that moment can easily make the listener feel uneasy, embarrassed, or begin to doubt themselves. In social life, body odor is a very sensitive topic because it directly touches on privacy, self-esteem, and the feeling of being accepted.
Therefore, the question isn't just "is what the other person said true or not," but more importantly, how should we respond in a way that is both tactful to the other person and doesn't hurt ourselves?
Why is it easy to hurt someone's feelings about body odor?
Body odor is not like clothing or hairstyles that can be instantly remedied. It's related to physiology, health, hormones, stress, and even mental state. When someone mentions body odor, the listener often unconsciously perceives it as a self-assessment, rather than just a temporary situation.
Many people fall into a cycle of self-blame, trying too hard to apologize or silently carrying on feelings of shame. In reality, body odor can change due to lack of sleep, stress, weather, or health imbalances, and is not entirely within their immediate control.
When feedback comes from genuine concern.
There are instances where comments about body odor are made very softly, in private, and with a reserved attitude. For example, a colleague might whisper, "Just between us, it seems like you have a slight body odor today. I wonder if it's because of the heat?"
This type of feedback isn't meant to be critical, but rather to help the listener avoid feeling awkward in front of others. In such cases, the most tactful response is usually just a short, calm sentence: "Thank you for pointing that out. I must be a little tired today. I'll think about it right away."
This response acknowledges goodwill, avoids self-deprecation, and brings the conversation to a smooth conclusion. More importantly, it helps you maintain a sense of control, rather than carrying on the embarrassment.
When words become sarcasm
There are also instances where body odor is made fun of or mocked, especially in front of others. For example: "Forgot to use deodorant again? Or is this just a familiar smell?"
Even when disguised as a joke, this type of comment is no longer constructive criticism but rather hurtful behavior. The subtle response in this situation isn't to laugh it off or apologize, but to set clear boundaries. A calm reply like, "I didn't find that comment funny. If you have feedback, I think it should be done privately," is enough to end the conversation without argument or confrontation.
Being tactful, in this case, is not about being submissive, but about protecting the minimum level of self-respect one has.
The important thing is the first reaction.
The initial reaction to being criticized about body odor is often instinctive. Some people apologize profusely, some remain silently uncomfortable, and some react defensively. However, a subtle response doesn't need to be perfect. It just needs to be calm enough to separate the situation from one's own self-worth.
Body odor is not a measure of personality. It's a physiological state that can change depending on health and lifestyle. Understanding this will help you react more gently, instead of letting negative emotions take over.
Self-care after sensitive situations
After receiving feedback about body odor, what many people need most isn't a quick way to cover it up, but rather to regain a sense of confidence when returning to social interaction. In office environments or shared spaces, subtle, discreet deodorizing solutions are often more pleasant than overly strong fragrances.
Some people choose deodorants with neutral, understated scents, just enough to create a feeling of cleanliness and dryness. For example, a roll-on deodorant like Breeze Roll-on Neutro with a light, clean scent can help users feel more confident when standing close to others, especially on days when their bodies are sensitive or prone to sweating. Choosing a deodorant that respects shared spaces is also a form of self-care, rather than adding unnecessary pressure.
Being considerate to others is also being kind to yourself.
Refinement isn't about always being perfect or never causing trouble. It's about listening when necessary, adjusting when appropriate, and knowing when to set boundaries. Not every suggestion needs to be taken to heart.
Everyone has periods when their body isn't at its best. How you deal with it, rather than how others perceive it, is what truly reflects your maturity and confidence.
Body odor is part of the human experience.
We live, work, experience stress and fatigue, and then recover. During this process, changes in body odor are perfectly human. Viewing body odor as a temporary signal, rather than something to be ashamed of, will make it easier to respond tactfully to sensitive feedback.
And sometimes, the greatest tact isn't about pleasing everyone, but about not hurting yourself further because of a fleeting remark.