Dear Harlan: I’m a freshman living in a triple-room dorm. We all get along just fine, but one roommate has horrendous-smelling feet and shoes. It is BAD. Both myself and my other roommate have noticed this and can no longer tolerate it. We spray air fresheners and disinfectants all the time, but have little success. Our roommate doesn’t seem to notice any smell. How can we tell him politely about this issue? – Stinky Feet
Dear Stinky Feet: It’s not like he’s a drug-dealing, skinhead, ex-con gun-runner. His feet stink. This is easily discussed. Talk to him during daylight hours, while sober. Ask his permission to share the truth. Mention that you don’t want to make him uncomfortable. Then, clear the air. You can mention you thought there might be a medical issue. You can suggest solutions (keep the shoes in the hall, put them in a bag, burn them in a bonfire). The alternative is hiding the truth, hating him and hating the situation. Secret-keeping is not his fault. It would be your and your roommate’s dirty little secret. Be prepared for any reaction. He might tell you he lost all sense of smell in second grade or he wants to beat you with his shoes. Either way, the truth will be out and you can find a solution.
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