Talk To Your BF About Embarassing Stuff

Your best friend is always the first to know when your family is driving you nuts. And when you decide you like a boy, she’s the one you call. But how do you tell her that she’s got a problem...like she needs to start using deodorant? Or that you’re tired of waiting for her to pay back the money she owes you? Or that you want to talk about (shudder) puberty? Not to worry. We’re here to help with all this, and more.

- Lori Deschene

Situation #1: How embarrassing! That smell after gym class isn’t from the cafeteria…it’s coming from her! She’s got body odor!

Don’t: Wait for someone else to tell her. If you were the one who needed deodorant, wouldn’t you rather hear about it from your best friend than some mean girl? You need to act now!

Do: Find a time when you can talk privately. Ask her, “If you had something in your teeth or hanging out of your nose, would you want to know?” After she says yes—and she will!—tell her you have something similar to bring up. She’ll be less embarrassed if you let her know she’s not the only one suddenly noticing she has body odor. For example, you might say you were in desperate need of some deodorant after basketball practice the other day, and your mom bought you the best-smelling stuff ever. You could even suggest she get some herself—it’s that great! (Even if it’s a little white lie, that’s okay—you’re just telling it to protect her feelings.)

Situation #2: You’re pretty sure you’re starting puberty, which is confusing— and embarrassing, too! You want to talk it over with someone who is also going through it—not your parents or health teacher!

Don’t: Assume she doesn’t want to talk about it because she hasn’t brought it up. No doubt she has the same questions as you, but she may feel shy about bringing it up. Someone has to make the first move.