Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority

Leading Etiquette Expert and Modern Manners Authority Diane Gottsman’s official blog, with Business Etiquette, University Etiquette, Social Media Etiquette, Dining Etiquette and more.

Ask the Etiquette Expert: How Do I Tell My Friend She Has Bad Breath?

06 Sep 2014 By: Diane Gottsman

Ask the Etiquette Expert: How Do I Tell a Friend She Has Bad Breath? by Diane Gottsman Etiquette Expert and Modern Manners AuthorityAsk the Etiquette Expert: I have a close friend whose breath can be offensive. How do I tell my friend she has bad breath?

Answer: If the friend is a close friend, you certainly want to let her know. Do it gently, and in private. Say something along the lines of, “I am going to tell you something I would want you to tell me … you probably want to find a breath mint because your breath is strong.” Let her know you often have the same problem after a spicy meal, and emphasize that if the roles were reversed, you would certainly appreciate the same kindness and respect.

It’s all about being diplomatic, courteous and to the point. The alternative is to let her go on with her day smelling like a bowl of French Onion soup.

 

Signature

Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.