You smell bad, she said.

In my second year in the university, I had an eye opening experience regarding personal hygiene that i will never forget. I have always been a very sweaty person, even a little heat can make me start sweating vigorously.

This made me prefer staying in cool and comfortable weather conditions. However, back then, my habits were not exactly helping me manage this well.

With morning classes every day, I often only showered once daily. I was a bit lazy and didn’t see the reason for using deodorants or perfumes regularly. I didn't realize how this was affecting others around me until an embarrassing incident in one of our practical classes.

We were working on a practical project in class that involved dissecting a chicken to study its digestive system. It was a fascinating work, as we were able to identify some of its vital organs, like the liver, pancreas, and kidneys. However, the room was overcrowded and hot, which made me sweat even more than usual.

There were only five girls in our class, and after the session, one of them, who was the eldest, approached me privately. She told me, “Juwon, do you know you have a bad smell? Please try to get yourself a perfume or even a deodorant.”

Her comment hit me hard. I was shocked and embarrassed, not only because she was from the opposite gender but also because we weren’t particularly close. The fact that she came to tell me meant it must have been noticeable to others, which it made it humiliating. I was devastated, with the thought that she and the other girls might have been discussing this issue behind my back , without me knowing. However, I still appreciated her consideration in speaking to me privately, and it made me realize that I needed to take action.

That conversation, though painful, was a wake up call for me. It made me to always take my personal hygiene seriously. I began to shower more regularly, especially after any tedious activity. I also made it a habit to use deodorants and perfumes daily to ensure I smelled fresh and nice. Over time, these changes did not only improve how I felt about myself but also how I interacted with others. I was no longer worried about being the subject of whispered conversations about body odour.

The initial embarrassment turned into a positive change in my lifestyle. I learned the importance of maintaining good hygiene, not just for myself, but also as a courtesy to those around me. It's amazing how a seemingly small piece of advice can lead to such significant personal growth.

Now, I feel much more confident and comfortable with myself, knowing that I am taking care of myself and respecting the people around me.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson about the impact of personal habits on social interactions. It's something I have carried with me ever since then, by ensuring that I stay mindful of how I present myself to others.

Thanks for reading.

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