I have this problem with my father (it's embarrassing) but I need to talk about it and if anybody has the same problem and/or has advice for me; please share it with me as soon as possible. Thank You In Advance!!

To make a long story short; my father never washes himself and he sweats a lot. The last time he washed himself; I believe it was when there was the funeral service for my mom in January 2005 so it has been about 2 yrs. now.
I'm at the point where I avoid going near him if I can help it and my boyfriend has talked to me about it and he can't understand why he's like that.

Can anybody relate to me and/or has some advice? Thanks Again!!

He hasn't taken a bath in two years? Dang.

I would just tell him he reeks, but in a nice way.

is his birthday coming up? how about a basket of nice fancy soaps and lotions...

I forgot to mention that he does wash his clothing (underwear, socks, etc..)
but not his coats and he's always wearing the same thing more or less.
He has lots of clothing that he's never worn; I'm really embarrassed.

take him on 10 years younger, or what not to wear

I forgot to mention that he does wash his clothing (underwear, socks, etc..)
but not his coats and he's always wearing the same thing more or less.
He has lots of clothing that he's never worn; I'm really embarrassed.
Seriously, Just tell him because it appears that he doesn't even realize that he smells badly.

I'm afraid to tell him because I don't want to hurt his feelings and/or get him mad; he has a bad temper with certain issues. I think that he just doesn't care anymore; because he's getting older. My late mother had told me that he has been like that since he got out of the armed forces (which is over 30 yrs. ago); not sure exactly when.

It bothers me that he's like that because I love him very much and want to be near him at times and/or give him a hug but I can't stand to be near him with his problem. Even when we give each other a kiss (peck) for a certain holiday; I wipe my mouth right away after but without him knowing about it.

I don't know what to do; I am so :confused:

I worked with a lady who smelled really bad, I tried bringing up the subject
several times in round about ways but it didn't work. I finally gave up and
put an air-freshner at my work station. I mean its hard to tell someone they
stink.

I work at "Zellers" and have some co-workers with the same problem.
When I get near them; I hold my breath until I pass them by and I do the same thing with my father; but it hurts me to do that with him because he's my dad and I love him very much. I am so :confused: about what to do.

:thanx: to all those who responded with advice. I emailed my sister and she suggests that I talk to him in private. I will talk to my boyfriend first to get his feedback and then I will try to discuss the situation with my dad.

Have you thought about him being depressed and not taking care of himself is an underlying issue to a more serious condition?

I work at "Zellers" and have some co-workers with the same problem.
When I get near them; I hold my breath until I pass them by and I do the same thing with my father; but it hurts me to do that with him because he's my dad and I love him very much. I am so :confused: about what to do.

I know someone with the last name Zellers. well it may actually be Zellars, but its basically the same.

Your father has to know that he smells bad, and it may be hurtful/offensive if you point it out to him. However, he needs to hear it again. If he refuses to shower or clean up, he needs to know that he is harming both himself and those around him, who have to smell him. So you should tell him because you care about him.

It sounds like clinical depression to me. Letting your hygiene go is a symptom. When you talk with him, ask if he'll agree to a physical. If he has a primary care physician, perhaps you can call him or her to let them know what's going on.

Two years without a shower or bath is not normal. I could be wrong, but it sounds unhealthy too...bacteria or something along those lines.

Good luck in your talk with him.

^Great post.

that is the weirdest thing I have ever heard of! he NEEDS to shower! I would just tell him. I know that I would not be embarrassed to tell my dad. 2 years is just wrong. good luck with that. :)

Thanks once again to all those who have posted on here with some great advice and so forth. For now, I will just let it go and we'll see what happens.

Well, here's the latest and unfortunately it's not good. My sister had told me that she would call my father on his birthday (which is today) and she would talk to him about his problem. Well, she did talk to him and no such luck.

That means; that we all have to put up with it which won't be easy as time goes by. I thought maybe she could get thru to him but she couldn't.