askvity

How to tell your girlfriend she has bad breath?

Published in Relationship Advice 3 mins read

It's important to address the issue of bad breath with sensitivity and care. When talking to your girlfriend about her bad breath, it's crucial to be gentle, sincere, and choose your words carefully.

Approaching the Conversation

Choosing the Right Words

  • Avoid Harsh Language: Steer clear of words like "offensive" or "pungent." These can be hurtful and might make her feel self-conscious.
  • Use Gentle Terms: Instead, consider using words like "off," "sour," or "noticeable" to describe the odor.
  • Be Specific: When you speak, be clear about what you are experiencing without being accusatory.

Choosing the Right Time and Place

  • Pick a Private Setting: Have this conversation in a private setting where you both feel comfortable and relaxed.
  • Choose a Calm Moment: Avoid having this conversation during a stressful time. Aim for a moment when you are both relaxed and open.
  • Avoid Publicly Embarrassing Her: It’s important to make her feel as comfortable and secure as possible during this conversation.

How to Start the Conversation

  1. Start with Affection: Begin with something kind or affectionate to show that you are coming from a place of love and concern. For example, “I love spending time with you and I want to be open about something that I've noticed lately."
  2. Frame it as Something You Noticed: Use phrases that focus on your personal experience. For instance, "I've noticed a slightly off smell recently when we're talking closely." This softens the impact.
  3. Express Concern: Show that you care about her well-being. For example, you could say, "I'm mentioning this because I care about you and your comfort."
  4. Offer a Solution Together: Once you’ve brought it up, offer to work on this as a team. This could look like, "Maybe we could look into some remedies or see a dentist together?”

Example Conversation Starters

Here are a few ways you can start the conversation:

  • "Hey honey, I care about you a lot, and I've noticed your breath has been a little 'off' lately. I was wondering if you've noticed it too?"
  • "I've noticed a small difference in your breath recently. I wanted to bring it up because it's something I would want someone to tell me about if it was me."
  • "Sweetheart, sometimes I notice your breath is a little noticeable and I just wanted to let you know gently."

What to do After

  • Listen to Her: After sharing your observation, give her space to react. Listen without interrupting and show empathy.
  • Offer Support: Suggest looking into potential causes and solutions together. This shows you're there to support her.
  • Reassure Her: Let her know that you still care about her and that you are bringing this up because you care about her comfort and health.

Key Considerations

  • Empathy: Always approach this situation with empathy and understanding.
  • Honesty: Be honest, but kind, in your delivery.
  • Support: Offer her your support in finding solutions to the issue.
  • Patience: Be patient as she processes the information.

By being gentle, sincere, and supportive, you can approach this sensitive topic in a way that strengthens your relationship.

Related Articles