Dear Dorothy,
I love my partner dearly, but there’s an issue I can no longer ignore – his bad breath. It’s been going on for some time, and I feel awkward bringing it up because I don’t want to hurt his feelings. At the same time, it’s affecting our intimacy, and I find myself pulling away from him during conversations. How can I address this delicately without damaging his confidence?Yours sincerely,
Clara
Dear Clara,
Firstly, well done for wanting to handle this with care. Bad breath is a sensitive issue, but addressing it shows that you care about your partner’s well-being and your relationship. Here’s how you might approach it tactfully:
- Choose the right moment: Avoid mentioning it during or immediately after an intimate moment or meal. Find a quiet, private time when you can talk without distractions.
- Frame it as a health concern: Sometimes bad breath stems from underlying issues like gum disease, digestive problems, or even diet. Mentioning this as a health matter can help reduce embarrassment. For example:
“I’ve noticed your breath has been a bit different lately. I read it could sometimes be linked to health, so it might be worth checking with a dentist or doctor.” - Use empathy: Reassure him that you’re coming from a place of love. Try saying:
“I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but I wanted to bring it up because I care about you and thought you’d want to know.” - Offer to help: Suggest doing something together, like trying a new toothpaste or mouthwash, or scheduling a dental check-up together. This can make the conversation feel more collaborative.
Remember, tone and body language matter as much as your words. Keep things light-hearted and supportive, and your partner is likely to appreciate your honesty.
Best of luck!
Dorothy