Let’s be real. We are all guilty of skipping a sudsing every once in a while, but on occasion our loved ones let personal hygiene slide too far. Here are some strategies to help you gently let a relative know that it is time to open a window!

1. Lead by example
   1. Lament that you feel like a real stink-o and excuse yourself to bathe. With any hope, your actions will inspire self-awareness and your family members will do the same.
2. Brush up on your airflow vocab
   1. Pepper words such as “circulation” and “cross-draft” into your everyday speech. The more you can get your relatives thinking about crisp breezes, the more likely it is that they will be moved to open windows on opposite sides of the house.
3. The Sparrow Switcheroo
   1. Lure your relative to the nearest window with an entreaty for them to check out a neat bird. Is it a robin? A cardinal? To get an unobstructed look, they will want to open up the window. You’ve got them right where you want em. 
4. The Dirty Habit
   1. This strategy is super easy and has no long-term consequences. Take up smoking! Smoke in the house, even turn off the A/C and close the vents to stop air circulation. Pretty soon, your relative will be forced to crack a window to let in the sweet, fresh air. Bye-bye, unwanted odor!
5. Speak from the heart
   1. Explain that you are not coming from a place of judgement, but rather concern for their wellbeing. Be sure to use “I” statements and open body language while you spell out for them how their acrid scent is bringing tears to your eyes and bile to your mouth. They will understand, because you have approached them with respect.