Q My best friend reeks. I don't want to avoid him, but how do I break it to him that he's got body odour? He's quite sensitive.

A I use to wonder about people who smell: How can you not notice if you've got body odour? Don't you get the hint when crowds part like the Red Sea when you're around?

But years ago, I read somewhere that there are some folks who lack the physiological synapses to detect odorous smells. Lucky for them when the garbage truck comes. Bad for the rest of us.

Honesty is the best policy, but you can couch it with affection. Coming right out and telling him, 'Yo, bro, you stink' would be hurtful.

I once leaned on the shoulder of a former beau, wrinkled my nose and said coyly: 'Honey, you've got to lose the shirt when you get home because it's stinky.'

The statement implied that his shirt smelled bad and not him - ego spared.

You could use the same trick. Make a comment that something reeks and you think it could be your shirt. Ask him to sniff it.

The usual response would be for him to ask you the same. You would then take the plunge and take a quick whiff, tell him that it's his shirt, then make a joke about how it was him all along.

That is also when you can soft-sell him the idea of tackling the odour. Make it your problem and say this whole matter reminds you that you have to go pick up some deodorant, and drag him along.

When you're at the pharmacy or dispensary, pick up Gilette Triple Protection System Cool Wave Clear Gel Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant ($8.50 from Watsons stores).

My guy friends swear by it because it's fragrance-free, dries fast and goes on cool. It's strong and doesn't wear off, even after a gym workout.

Another good alternative is Nuevo Speed Stick 24/7 Protection Fresh-Rush Deodorant ($3.40 from Watsons stores). It's also fragrance-free, and because it's a roll-on, is less messy than a gel.