Friday, May 18, 2007 - An open letter to all the people I've ever met who feel that bathing is not the right option for them.
Some of us need a reminder in this area and others don't. You know which you are. Feel free to skip to over this entry if it isn't an issue for you. If it is an issue for you or a loved one then read on.
When we don't bathe regularly then it's a sign that something big is wrong in our lives. Something very big. We need to seek out counseling or anti-depressants or better yet—both.
Human beings begin to smell after a day or two without washing. You may try wearing an overshirt or jacket to cover up the odor, but you aren't fooling anyone. The rest of us can smell you and we don't like it. It makes it hard for us to get close to you, and hard for us express our love for you. When we don't bathe regularly we are more likely to get sick because we aren't washing off the germs we collect over a day or two. Dirt clogs our pores and makes it harder for normal excretions to dissipate through our skin. Sweat reacts with bacteria and produces odors that make others keep their distance. All of these are bad things that should be avoided.
If you're like most non-bathers, you probably have a lot of excuses like the following . . .
My odor is appealing to the opposite gender. It's like an aphrodisiac.
You may have entertained notions that perfumeries should pay you a million bucks so they can scrape off your sweat and bottle it for mass consumption. I hate to be the one to tell you, but somebody told you a big fat lie once upon a time and you've believed it ever since. This notion of yours is a fantasy. No one is attracted to the odor of an unwashed body. It isn't even close to sexy; it's stinky and gross. I guarantee you, you'll get a lot more attention from potential mates if you bathe regularly than if you don't. And just in case you're really stuck on this idea and think you are the one exception, I'm here to tell you that you aren't. Body odor stinks. There are no exceptions. Nope, not even you.
I just don't have time in the morning. I have to rush, rush, rush all day long and I never get a minute to myself and when I do, the last thing I want to do is bathe. I want a minute to catch up on my sleep!
Baloney! Millions of people are in the same boat and they find time to wash their bodies and put on clean clothes every single day. Good hygiene is just as important as getting enough sleep. If you have to rearrange your schedule to make time for a shower then do it. Get up earlier. Or if you won't shower as soon as you wake up, then do it before you go to bed. Give up some of your nap time for doing the laundry and taking a bath. Make it a priority. Other people do it, and there's no reason you can't except pure laziness.
But what will I do with the baby?
Mothers all over the world are in the same boat. There are ways around the situation. When the baby is big enough, put her in the tub with you. It's a bit complicated, but you can kill two birds with one stone by taking a bath together. When the baby is too small for that, try to take your shower when the baby naps. But what about the other kids you may be wondering; bathe with the door open if necessary. Or strap the baby into his car seat and put the car seat on the bathroom floor while you shower. Even if he screams bloody murder, as long as you can keep one eye on him while you wash your hair, he'll be fine. Anger and crying never killed a baby, and the five minutes it takes for you to get clean will do both Mommy and baby a lot of good.
I don't have running water, how do you expect me to keep clean?
There's this old form of bathing called a bird bath. It's when you fill a bucket or basin with water, get a towel, wash cloth and soap and wash up. Wash from the top down. Do your face first and then work progressively down to your feet. Wash all of your warm areas like underarms and crotch thoroughly. Then dry off briskly with a rough towel. If you have a helper, so much the better. Finally put on clean clothes. Do this every day, after you wake up in the morning or before bed at night. Make it a family affair if necessary. You can help one another reach the hard-to-get areas. No matter how tired you are, do not omit your daily bird bath. Finally, once a week fill a big plastic or galvanized tub with warm water and soak for a while before washing your whole body and hair. It's not particularly easy, but it's better than going around smelling bad all the time.
My Mother, Father, Husband, Wife, etc. grew up without running water and they have all of the dumb rules and hangups about bathing. It's just too hard so I avoid it as often as possible.
Their problem doesn't have to be yours. Normal people wash every day. You can too. Even if the other person has to follow a lot of complicated rituals or limitations for their shower, you do not. Just take a normal shower or bath in the bathroom with the door locked and don't bother discussing your hygiene habits with anyone else. Every human being deserves to wash the way that is best for them, and you don't have to satisfy another person with your method.
Every time I step into the shower the entire house erupts into chaos. It's like their punishing me for taking 10 minutes to myself.
Take the bull by the horns. Either bathe before everyone else is awake in the mornings, when they are all down for their naps, or at night when everyone else is asleep. If all of these are impossible then discuss the situation in a family meeting. Then when it's time to bathe, announce to everyone what you intend to do and what your expectations for them are while you're busy. Or you can make everyone have a time out in separate rooms or corners while you shower if necessary.
But I've gone without bathing regularly for so long that people will think there's something wrong with me if I start to do it every week, much less every day.
This is in your head. It isn't real. If you do bathe every week, or better yet, every day, then people will be happy for you. They will not think you are weird. They will think “Oh, you're getting better.” Then they will stop thinking about it because your bathing habits really matter very little to the rest of us as long as you don't stink. And trust me, if you aren't bathing, then you stink.
I would but everyone is always nagging me to so I just don't. I'm not going to let them rule my life and when I don't bathe, they know they aren't in control of me, I am.
The reason people are always bugging you to take a bath is because you smell bad. It is distinctly unpleasant to be around people who smell bad. Also, your skin is dirty and greasy. Touching someone with dirty, greasy skin is icky. Having someone with dirty, greasy skin touch you is even ickier. People want you to bathe because it's good for you. Just like using the bathroom, getting enough sleep and eating right. You have a choice to let the people who are nagging you be in charge of your behavior or taking charge of it yourself. It may seem like you are in charge by refusing to bathe but this is a false notion. In reality the naggers are still in charge because you are reacting to their nagging. The only way to take charge of the situation yourself is to bathe regularly because you want to. As long as you are saying “I'm not going to do it because you told me to.” you are still letting the nagger have control. Why let them have any more control over you than they already do? Empower yourself by taking charge of your own bathing habits. Do it for you.
Every time I take a shower my skin tingles and hurts. It's like pins and needles and my hair feels like it's falling out.
This is a common complaint for people who seldom bathe. What happens is that our bodies have become unused to the process and it feels a little weird. I know that if I go for several days without washing my hair I can feel my scalp tingling when I do wash it. It's an uncomfortable sensation and the only way to avoid it is by bathing more often. Every day in fact. If you shower today, then do an experiment and shower again tomorrow. You'll be surprised to discover that the tingling sensation will be less intense and maybe even nonexistent. Then try bathing again on the third day. Miracle upon miracles you won't notice any sensations at all. Your body has adapted to being clean. Don't let those tingly feelings prevent you from taking care of yourself. The only way to make them go away forever is to take a shower every single day. If you do that, then pins and needles will never bother you again.
While we're on the subject, remember to brush your teeth too. You may notice a little blood on your toothbrush. Don't worry. When we don't brush our teeth very often, our gums may react by releasing a little blood. Dentists call this Pink Brush. It's nothing to worry about. Just keep brushing your teeth every day and before you know it, Pink Brush will be a thing of the past. Remember, no one wants to kiss a person who hasn't brushed their teeth. Dirty teeth make for bad breath which makes people keep their distance.
If you want to make friends, please your spouse, find a spouse, or encourage people to visit more often, then practice good hygiene. You'll feel better. You'll be healthier and the rest of us will enjoy being close to you more often.
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Post A Comment!
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Friday, May 18, 2007 - Bathing |
| Posted by Anonymous |
| I'm just curious - have you met many who fall into this category? I've met maybe one, but even they eventually caved. |
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Friday, May 18, 2007 - ??? |
| Posted by missmaggie |
| Fall into which category? You mean the general category of people who don't bathe or one of the smaller categories I mentioned? |
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Friday, May 18, 2007 - My goodness, |
| Posted by Anonymous |
What in the world brought on this posting? It was such a surprise.
I know one family memeber who has this problem. She is an Aunt. She and my uncle had 6 children. Five boys and 1 girl. The only girl, who happens to be the oldest child, took after her mother and does not bathe very often. I don't know how often she takes a bath, I would bet it is not more than once a week or so.
Anyway I never knew it was an illness, or just what it was...I never understood how anyone could be so lazy as to not bathe everyday. We never had much growing up but we did bathe everyday.
You always have an interesting blog page. Thanks for sharing Miss Maggie. God bless you for putting your ideas and out there for the blog world to read... |
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Friday, May 18, 2007 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by Anonymous |
| I don't know if you were being funny, but your first parargraph made me spit coffee on my screen. I don't run into the great unwashed that often but a hearty amen for you getting that out there! |
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Friday, May 18, 2007 - Wow! |
| Posted by Anonymous |
| What an odd subject...Is this really a common problem? Only twice in my life have I smelled another person's body odor. The first time was over 15 years ago and the last time was two weeks ago on an airplane. My son and I flew from the west coast to Pennsylvania. The woman on the plane was sooooo stinky that my poor 12 year old son and I were nauseous. Others on the plane were sick, too. But this woman obviously suffered from some mental illness or personality disorder--she was not normal in any way. I can hardly imagine a place in this country where unwashed people are a common problem! Wow. |
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Friday, May 18, 2007 - bathing |
| Posted by Anonymous |
I would just LOVE to know the backstory here.....which I'd be willing to bet is more interesting than your post.
I've not run into any of these people....but perhaps we move in different circles..... |
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Friday, May 18, 2007 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by Anonymous |
| I mean the general category of people who don't bathe...are there really that many people out there who do not bathe regularly? I too would like to hear the back story that prompted this - I bet it is funny! |
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Friday, May 18, 2007 - Howling here |
| Posted by Anita (unashamed) |
| Oh Maggie, you are such a hoot! I'm still laughing over this! I am going to send this anonymously to my brother who desperately needs to stand a little closer to the soap. |
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Friday, May 18, 2007 - hello |
| Posted by Anonymous |
| You make me smile. |
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Friday, May 18, 2007 - Bathing |
| Posted by Sparqui |
Amen, Sister!
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<br>I have encountered many humans(one as recently as yesterday) who seem to be as hygienically challenged as those in your commentary. I wish I had the gumption to let those persons know that water, soap and deodorant are their freinds, and not their enemies. Bathing is a good thing on a regular basis, but not to the extent that it causes pain. In that case, one may need to seek the advice of a professional. |
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Friday, May 18, 2007 - Bathing |
| Posted by Anonymous |
| I have to agree with you 100%! I often walk by people who could use a bit of soap and water. I've always said that no matter what your circumstance, you need to be clean. Soap is cheap and water somewhere is free. I loved your post. |
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Friday, May 18, 2007 - Way to go, Maggie!! |
| Posted by Gilana |
I know that I am one of those people who would love 15 more minutes to sleep, and I admit to forcing myself to bathe sometimes. But, I do it. Why? Because enough people have problems with me for my politics and my strange sense of humor, so why give them a good reason? :)
<br>In any case, when I do have very few moments to take care of hygiene, I jump in the shower with my hair in a bun and soap up my body. I will give my hair a pass on occasion from daily washing, but the body has to be done.
<br>I have a very close relative who does not bathe nearly enough and besides the general aura of "funk" around him, his fingernails are nearly black underneath. This makes me worry that he is depressed. The person in his life who should care the most about that seems afraid to confront him
<br>Finally, regarding tooth brushing and blood, if you start flossing once a day (or heck, even once every other day) you will notice the blood will disappear very quickly. I know this from the dentist and from personal experience. I brush every day, but if I get behind in flossing, I notice bleeding. After a few days back on the wagon, it's all good again.
<br>Oh, one more thing... my first pre-teen crush was on a male camp counselor who had very bad underarm odor. He bathed every day, but I guess soap and deodorant aren't miracle workers. The crush was huge enough that I didn't care. Now, I'm older, and I think the stink issue would bother me.
<br>I've also noticed that when I shower every day, I can go much faster. When I have to make up for slacking off, the ritual is all the longer.
<br>Maggie, you so hit the marker with this one! Excellent post! |
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Friday, May 18, 2007 - bathing |
| Posted by Anonymous |
| a good friend of mine is a little overweight and she hates seeing her body in the bath or shower so she just does an old fashioned quick bath. She is really only 30 pounds overweight but she feels it is no use to bathe if she is so overweight which she considers ugly.It is sad . |
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Saturday, May 19, 2007 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by opheliag |
| I probably should never admit this, but when I am depressed, I have to force myself to bathe. For some reason, my mental state affects my hygiene. I loved this post. I hope that you are doing well! :) |
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Saturday, May 19, 2007 - I just had to say one more thing! |
| Posted by Anonymous |
| I already posted, but I had to add this. My daughter could not bathe for a whole week once after a surgery. She was so weak and miserable that she did not even do a "bird bath." (Funny! I'd never heard that before!) She was 17 years old and I took care of her. She did not smell one bit bad--except a tiny bit of bad breath, which is understandable because it was mouth/jaw surgery and she was not to brush. How long would a person need to go before he/she smelled so bad that others around them could actually smell them??? Two weeks? A month?? And who doesn't have running water--besides the street people, of course?? Can there be that many? Enough to count? |
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Saturday, May 19, 2007 - Funny! |
| Posted by Shannon |
That was great. I, too, would be interested in knowing the back story beind this post. I've not met many of the great unwashed in my life, but I will admit to having to force myself to bathe sometimes. Especially since I've started exercising every day (usually running - lots of sweat), it's so tempting to just say "oh, I'll just get all sweaty and nasty again tomorrow, what's the point?" It only takes me about 15 seconds to realize, DUH, all that sweat is the point. Into the shower I go, no one wants to smell my running "scent", and I'm sure my husband appreciates it.
I'm sorry you've experienced so many stinky people in life. Now the breath thing, that's something I've dealt with a lot more. Ew. :-( |
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Sunday, May 20, 2007 - Thank You |
| Posted by Angela from Atlanta |
Loved the Post! I have encountered plenty of stinky people in my life, family and otherwise. I can also appreciate the fact that you left the backstory out as this could be very embarassing to someone. Smelling is a very sensitive issue and I have come to realize that some people are just unaware. I had a close group of friends in college and one of the guys had this problem. We all knew he smelt, but he was unaware. Finally one of the other guys, talked to him one on one and it worked! Yeah!
Thanks for the post
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Sunday, May 20, 2007 - bathing |
| Posted by Judy |
I enjoyed your blog on bathing or the lack there of.And adding burching of the teeth was a great addition. My hubby-Lord Love him- doesn't always bursh his teeth and it shows.
How about your thoughts on how our youth dress ie baggy pants middrift tops and supper short skirts?
Keep up the good work May God keep you and your family |
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Sunday, May 20, 2007 - You are so right. |
| Posted by Anonymous |
| My mom always said it was ok to be poor, but there is NO excuse for being dirty. |
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Sunday, May 20, 2007 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by wendy (bluebird of happiness...) |
Hi Maggie,
I echo anonymous, "I would just LOVE to know the backstory here.....which I'd be willing to bet is more interesting than your post" : )
The bird bath thing isnt really that bad when you actually do it. Now i'm not saying i wouldnt do a happy happy happy dance to have running water again, but when you dont, its not quite as bad as i thought really. I've been without it for several months now as I live in this little vintage trailer which is fun and cute but in some ways impractical--like having no running water till the old plumbing is fixed, and who knows when that will be (its pricey). So its been about filling bottles of water from the yard hose and bringing them in, and heating the water on the stove when its needs to be hot. That bringing in water part is physically hard. But the "bird bath" thing itself, well it kind of brings you back in time, when folks used to have those little wash basins for the daily bath. Especially if you get some little vintage looking pails or basins to use (i was able to find them pretty cheaply). I got kind of a kick seeing this sort of bathing thing happen in a Jane Austen movie lately--i found myself smiling and saying, well hey i do that too. I know its silly, but it's kind of fun to connect with the past like that.
Another good thing about the "bird bath" is it saves so much water, and its easy to recycle the water for something else afterwards too. I understand many Amish and such still bathe daily this way. And though it sounds like many use one bigger type pail or basin, i'd recommend using two smaller type ones instead so you can use the second for keeping clear water to rinse with, and so you can also use the water in that second one to wash out the towel cleanly at the end.
That part about filling a full size tub to soak in once a week sounds pretty impractical though (at least i know dealing with that much water would way too much for me with my injury, plus then you have to store a big tub somewhere). Its far easier i think just to wash hair over the sink by shampooing/pouring water over your head there (or i guess over a bigger tub on a table if you have no sink). And if you're doing the daily "bird bath" with hot water and good soap (Dr Bronner's Peppermint Soap works well), then i find that's enough for the rest of you really. Though a good hot soak sure does sound nice : )
Paix,
Wendy |
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Monday, May 21, 2007 - What has brought this on? |
| Posted by Anonymous |
| Miss Maggie, I love reading your blog and do so on occassion. However, your rant about those that smell has me a little perplexed, has something happened to you that has managed to tip you over the edge? There are lots of things that annoy me, but once they don't bother me, then they are no longer an issue. |
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Monday, May 21, 2007 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by Rebecca |
My best friend in high school could shower and dress and have major body odor. She had been in a bad accident once and had to have help to shower. I bairly had her dried off and you could smell the body odor. I never understood why it would happen. She showered every day. (even after the accident)
We had a woman in our church that only showered when one of her kids was in the house. So once a month she got a good shower. She was scared to be in the house alone and in the shower. Members offered to come visit and let her shower. It had to be one of her kids. I remember my dad (the pastor) had to call her kids when it got real bad. She had to end up moving in with her daughter.
I've known one man that figured his smell was a part of him. He didn't want to take the time to wash and everyone could get over it. He lost his wife and kids for it. Infact, the judge took his non washing as a sign of mental trouble. So his visitation was supervised and he had to shower before he came to see his kids. Someone had to stand there and make sure he was clean. After a year of that he got the idea and started taking regular showers. No more supervised visitations.
Hubby and I gave up smoking a little over a year ago. I'm finding out how bad things can really smell bad. I have to have a morning shower. Always have. My nose is working much better since there isn't any nicotine around. I can smell a smoker a mile away. I feel sorry for them and then I think "I smelled like that".
What a funny post.
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Monday, May 21, 2007 - been there, smelled that |
| Posted by Amy |
Grocery stores, waiting rooms at the doctor's office... how can so many commentors have never smelled people in public who need to bathe? I work in a nursing home and we had one daily visitor that we could literally smell around the corner. This man was dropped off daily by his children, so it always made me wonder why they didn't help him get a bath when he obviously needed one.
Great post, I only wish those who really need to read it would see it. |
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Tuesday, May 22, 2007 - instanbul |
| Posted by alice |
| I think the term "bird bath" is kind of cute. My husband used to call it a "turkish bath" which I found so offensive, I made him change it to bird bath. A few months ago, we acually traveled to Turkey and I was absolutely shocked at the lack of hygiene. The body odor stench in subways was so strong, we ended up walking most of the time just to avoid it. I've been to some poor countries such as India and didn't experience anything like that. Maybe lack of washing is a cultural thing in some parts of the world. |
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Tuesday, May 22, 2007 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by Anonymous |
This post, while it made me giggle (you have such a way with words) made me realize how lucky I am, to have a family that loves to bathe, and to be able to bathe several times a day with no problems like we do. We are a 2 shower a day family minimum but there are many times a day when 3 a day isn't unheard of. I knew that there were some countries that had this problem of not having running water in their houses, but I never realized that there was housing here in this country that didn't have it on a normal daily basis.
<br><br> I have encountered people that do not believe in the daily bath, but in the majority of these cases these were people who have running water and for whatever their reasons choose not to.
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Tuesday, May 22, 2007 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by Julianna |
Miss Maggie, when I first read this blog, I had to laugh. I know the feeling..I live smack dab in the middle of Amish country...for all of you who don't know, the Amish don't bathe. They only bathe about once a month in the winter and once a week in the summer. They come into the stores, ie..Walmart, Price Cutter, etc..and I am not joking when I say you can smell them a mile away..they quite literally make my eyes water. I only personally know a few Amish who are quite clean and make it a priority to bathe at least 2-3 times a week. I asked one of them once why they only clean themselves a couple of times a month and they told me that it is so hard in the winter to haul up the water, and get it warm, it is just easier to wait until later to do it. The summertime is better because around here it gets so muggy and hot, you pretty much will do anything to jump into a cold, clear creek or river and take a bath!
<br>So Miss Maggie, I feel for you! Keep hanging in there! Love your site! |
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Thursday, May 24, 2007 - Bathing |
| Posted by Anonymous |
| Oh I Love this ! I just happened across your blog, I really enjoyed it . I will be visiting :) Laurie |
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Thursday, May 24, 2007 - Amish don't bathe? |
| Posted by Anonymous |
I've been around Amish/Mennonite before...I wouldn't say they don't bathe, they probably "wash up" as Miss Maggie described. Also can't say that I've ever notice that they smell any worse than the general population.
My mom grew up very poor...she always told us her mother's saying was, "You're never too poor to buy a bar of soap." I too grew up in Appalachia, and there were many kids I went to high school with that obviously did not bathe. I think it is a family thing, whether it is acceptable not to smell or not. I also think that a lot of people smell NOT because they don't bathe sometimes but because their clothes are dirty! I had a friend in college who had a distinct odor...he showered every day, but rarely if ever washed his clothes.... |
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Friday, May 25, 2007 - Body odor tip |
| Posted by Carol |
| I take a shower every day, and use deodorant, but I am one of the unfortunate people who gets stinky by the end of the day, even if I don't exercise or get hot. I tried all kinds of different deodorants, but after a few weeks, the problem would return. I finally found out that alternating two different kinds of deodorant soap fixed it. I remember which one to use, because I swap their positions, and always use the one in front. :) |
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Sunday, May 27, 2007 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by Anonymous |
Dear Miss Maggie,
Having grown up in Western Europe I can tell you that some people do not bath everyday even though they have running water however they do the bird bath thing. I cannot live without showering or bathing at least once a day, in summer sometimes twice.
I agree there is no excuse I had to learn the birth bath thing when we were missionaries and live with the villagers in huts and so on I bathed veryday and sometimes due to the humidity twice a day. It was just the bird bath thing has there was no runnig water but it sure made me feel better.
It sure makes me feel grateful for my runnig water...
As always a interesting post.
Mrs. T (South Africa)
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Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - dirty clothes |
| Posted by dandelion |
| My ex-husband, when we met, had terrible foot odor and moderately bad body odor. We lived in the same barracks and he showered everyday, but you could smell the funk in his room from several doors down the hall. He hated to do laundry and only owned a few changes of clothes (including socks), so he would wear each outfit (including socks!) for two days, putting the dirty things at the end of the first day back into his wall locker and drawers (including socks!) for the next day. He had to buy new shoes and all new socks and stop rewearing things to get rid of the funk. |
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Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - Love your blog! |
| Posted by Anonymous |
Thanks for the inspiration to get in that shower EVERY day, toddlers running amuk & all! (I've found an entertaining DVD makes a fine babysitter, if needed, for a few stolen, soapy minutes).
I must add that when I am pregnant- I stink! (Despite double-daily washings). But have found a few "MIRACLE PRODUCTS": Mitchum deodorant (NOT Lady Mitchum, get the man stuff); Gold Bond foot powder on the feet and in the shoes; & using lots of deodorant bar soap in strategic places (I'll share underarms & between the toes, but ladies must tend to certain other areas). |
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Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by Anonymous |
Miss Maggie:
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<br>I agree with you on the bathing thing, I am currently pregnant and suffer from Hyperemensis. I get sick at mere sight of some foods, I cant always keep fluids down. I hate it, but the toothbrushing thing I completely agree with, I havent been about to brush my teeth in about 3 days in fear that it will set off a vomiting spell. If anyone has any suggestions to help with my bad breath I will gladly take them. My doctor would rather me have stinky breath then be puking, So Im game for anything at this point. |
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Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - to the pregnant lady who can't brush teeth |
| Posted by Carol |
| When I was pregnant, I found that it was the act of bending over the sink that made me inclined to throw up more than anything else about brushing my teeth, and I solved my problem by brushing in the shower and just letting it dribble down my chest! If that doesn't help, can you floss and rinse with water? That's better than nothing. :) |
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Thursday, May 31, 2007 - Bird Bath |
| Posted by tagsfan |
I love the term "bird bath." I'm going to start saying it that way. We always said, "Sponge Bath" but I never use a sponge...
I have to admit, this is the first blog post I've seen on this topic. I am not from Appalachia, but it is not uncommon to meet up with the occasional "non-bather." You are right, it is not pleasant.
You hit the nail on the head when you say that it is a sign that something big is wrong in our lives. My sister has a friend who is still in college. She is proud of all the different ways she has come up with to avoid a bath. She found out that she can rub baby powder in her hair to avoid washing her hair. (If you are going to go to all that trouble, it doesn't take any longer to wash it!)
She is a child of divorced parents and both of them have acted pretty awful. She is angry inside, and for good reason. But her stinking does not help the situation, and it offends those who still try to be her friends.
Sad really. You make a good point. It doesn't have to be a big deal. If I have the time at all, I like a good long soak. But to just get clean takes a lot less time, and not that much water. |
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Thursday, May 31, 2007 - Bathing |
| Posted by Anonymous |
I had to laugh out loud after reading two blog posts about how you want people to bath but you wrote this "Every human being deserves to wash the way that is best for them, and you don't have to satisfy another person with your method." LOL So they can have their own method as long as its as often as you want them to? hehe
Stinky people are gross, I agree.
But I think we are spoiled in America. Try living in Germany where they don't bathe every day and don't use deoderant. Even sexy construction workers are not so sexy when you are trapped in a room with them, lol. It doesn't seem to bother them, though, its just natural.
We are spoiled. And I'm glad!
qtpies7
http://qtpies7.blogspot.com |
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Saturday, June 2, 2007 - cant do it |
| Posted by Anonymous |
| I was the one that posted about brushing my teeth. I have yet to skip a day in the shower while pregnant well okay go more then 2 days without, sometimes when you are puking nothing seems like a great idea. I have tried the water, its the brush itself that is making me sick. does anyone have any other suggestions? The flossing doesnt help much, I still feel like i have stinky breath and nasties stuck to my teeth. Anything that helped you might help me, including cures for the morning sickness itself. Thanks in advance. |
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Saturday, June 2, 2007 - bathing |
| Posted by Anonymous |
| While I do agree on your points about "the odor" of people who do not bath.Some of us have VERY dry skin and hair to which a shower or bath everyday get us into a lot of trouble.I do myself get washed everday and so do my children but not a bath or shower.Shampooing your hair everyday especially if it is dry is not good for it.Just what we do here.From a not everyday bather who smells great!! |
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Saturday, June 2, 2007 - Other side of the coin? |
| Posted by Anonymous |
I have to say I enjoy your blog and LOVE your website. Thank you for providing such a wonderful resource.
Regarding this post - it is only in modern times and in westernized countries that the obsession with eradicating any natural odor became common. I wholeheartedly agree that body odor can become quite unpleasant in extreme circumstances, but I do feel that the lack of acceptance of any smell that is not chemically processed or artificially perfumed is a little unhealthy, too.
I shower twice a week in the cold months, and much more regularly when it's hot, up to twice a day. On days I don't shower, I wash the areas more likely to develop an odor.
One can wipe witch hazel & tea tree under the arms and follow with a bit of baking soda to prevent underarm odor. The baking soda will not prevent wetness, but it creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria, and bacteria is what causes odor.
I have a parent who is quite fanatical about showering and disinfecting every day and she has told me she could not tell when I switched from bathing daily & using commercial deodorants to the method I use now.
In response to an earlier responder who said deodorant can't hurt you - not true. Many of the additives in deodorant, as well as aluminum which is found in nearly all commercial deodorants, can be quite harmful. Better a little wetness than Alzheimer's disease.
It has been proven that the Western obsession with "germ-killing", as in the use of antibacterial soaps, can result in less resistance to microbial infection. A little "dirtiness" allows our bodies to develop their natural defenses.
There is no doubt that many people could benefit from more education in the area of personal hygiene, especially if it affects health, but I feel we could all benefit from relaxing our phobia of any naturally occurring odors, as well. |
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Saturday, June 2, 2007 - Hmmmmm |
| Posted by AmandaNDougNAutumn |
I agree with you that alot of people need to get abathe more frequently, myself included sometimes. I have a 7 month old daughter to deal with so i don't get a bath necessarily everyday but mostly every other day and in rare rare cases a third day bathe. The best way I've found is to put her in the shower with me. I live in Kentucky, so i know what its like to have well water, ect... I have relatives all the way to knott county that is nothing but hills. Lol.
I guess my point is that if i can find time for a bathe for myself with a 7 month old and house to take care of anyone can. One of the fastest ways for us to bathe is to use a bath poof with reg soap and water.
A poof lathers up fast with bar soap/liquid soap and get us both done in bout 5 to 8 mins. Which is awesome bc she only has so much patience the shower. Plus a poof at the Dollar Tree is just a buck. How much cheaper can you get? |
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Sunday, June 3, 2007 - for the lady with morning sickness |
| Posted by tagsfan |
People haven't always cleaned their teeth with brushes. Maybe you could try using a Kleenex and rubbing each tooth. I know that getting your fingers in you mouth might trigger that same reflex, so this might not help.
When I was pregnant this last time, I had an awful taste in my mouth for about 4 months. I would water down some strong mouthwash -- Tom's of Maine is what I used -- and swish with that. That helped, and also made me thirsty.
Have you tried raw vegetables? Carrots, celery, stuff like that should clean your teeth and freshen your breath, even if you have to spit it out instead of swallow.
I hope you start feeling better soon. |
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Monday, June 4, 2007 - thank you |
| Posted by Anonymous |
| Thanks for the suggestions, Im willing to try anything to stop the morning sickness. I have a sinking feeling that it will stop like the others upon delivery which is in 8 days, yippee for me. Not only will I be able to brush my teeth but more importantly, I can eat again. Thanks again for all the help. |
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Monday, June 4, 2007 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by Mama Russell |
| I never did understand why mothers with babies thought they couldn't take a shower. It is very easy: take a shower before hubby leaves for work for the day! Seriously, that way there is someone to watch the baby while you take a shower or to make sure the older children don't get into trouble. Using a baby as an excuse is just plain sad. Of course, there are women who do not have the option of hubby watching the kids while she showers, which I have experienced as well. In that instance, do as the Proverbs 31 woman would do and get up before everyone else to shower. |
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Tuesday, June 5, 2007 - I know people like this..... |
| Posted by Beverly |
Sadly, poor personal hygiene is more widespread than some people think! A good soak in the tub "does a body good!"
I really enjoy your site!! |
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Wednesday, June 6, 2007 - Dry skin |
| Posted by tagsfan |
I don't think anyone is pushing a daily bath, just a regular bath for those who don't bathe with regularity. It's different for different people. If you can go a day or two without a bath, and that helps your skin, keep it up.
I have dry skin and always thought a daily bath was too much for me. But my little one started breaking out and getting dry skin at about 3 months. I read that a daily bath would do no harm, so I decided to keep it up, even though my thoughts were that it could get worse. He needed a bathie in the morning as he usually had a leaky diaper! I started using thick lotion instead of the runny baby lotion I had been using. The dry skin cleared right up!
I think the harm in a daily bath for dry skin is the heat of the tub. I like the water nice and hot, so a daily bath like that might make my skin get really dry.
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Wednesday, July 4, 2007 - bathing and body odor |
| Posted by Anonymous |
I have found that natural body odors on CLEAN bodies are very sexy and attractive. Phermones and all that stuff. Some people tend to forget that the dirt and sweat and bacterial growth cover that up.
When I first started teaching, I had a few students (ages about 9 or 10) who could take your breath away. The other teachers told me that this was a combination of not washing and of having to share a bed with a bedwetting sibling. The sheets just air dried without being washed, and the bacterial growth created odors that clung to the skin.
To the posters who said that you can find time to bathe, amen. There was one girl in my junior high who took her daily shower and washed her hair after daily P.E. Some of the other girls talked about her behind her back because of this (not me, I promise!), but she was more interested in taking care of herself. I seem to recall that she was late for the next class period every day, due to limited time to shower and change, Being tardy was supposed to be an automatic detention, and five detentions got you in-school-suspension, but I guess the teachers must have known her situation, since she never got punished for it.
I remember another teacher went off on us all one day in class about our odors. She didn't name names, but she was very pro soap and deoderant. It reminds me that the best perfume is soap and water.
I love your site. I'm glad you're back up. I thought that you had just quit. Please don't ever! |
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Saturday, July 7, 2007 - This is soooooo timely |
| Posted by Anonymous |
I'm currently dealing with one of my husbands employees who is just stinky! How funny that I find this right now!
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<br>Thank you!
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Saturday, July 28, 2007 - drink more water! |
| Posted by east texas |
I agree so much with what you say!
but those who say they shower but still have odor or know people who do.... drink more water!!! Your sweat is concentrated if you don't drink enough water!! |
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Thursday, August 16, 2007 - Friday, May 18, 2007 - An open letter to all the people I've ever met who feel that bathing is not the right option for them. |
| Posted by Anonymous |
This really hit home! I live next door to a family whose body odor permeates the air and drifts from their open windows, across the yard and into my home! It is really bad during the summer. They wear they same clothing day after day and you can see the dirt and grime on their skin. I have found that those who do not bathe, also do not care to clean their homes.
I didn't grow up in the hills or mountains but, staying clean was something we did automatically. Our bird baths were called sponge baths. We also had a wash tub we filled outside between sheets that were hung on the clothes line. We also bathed in front of the stove during the winter. But, we did bathe, daily! And, I still do.
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Thursday, October 18, 2007 - Bathing |
| Posted by Anonymous |
| Bathe whenever you feel like it. And if people complain, tell them they're standing WAY too close! |
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Saturday, December 29, 2007 - daily bathing |
| Posted by Anonymous |
| I had to smile reading this. My family was an every other day bathing group but I was in need of daily bathing. My husband and his kids were never big bathers, until I talked to the kids. We still have one or two that don't bathe regularly, and my husband could use more bathing, but I can not convince him of this.They lived with out running water or a regular bathroom for years on and off. He recently had a talk with his oldest daughter and her hubby on their body odor. Deoderant is not popular with them, as it contains aluminum. But without it, they are unbearable. I find that dollar store gold bond makes it much more tolerable, for those with out running water. This helps with the daily bird baths. Shower to shower is good too, dollar store brand. This is a bigger problem than you think. I know a family that you could see the dirt on there bodies, in the creases. Heaven help those with the desire to be clean, with out the ability to keep themselves that way. |
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Saturday, December 29, 2007 - Bathing with Baby |
| Posted by Anonymous |
Several things:
1) I used to put my daughter in her bouncy seat, strap her in, and let her listen to its entertaining music while I showered. Also, I only put up a clear shower curtain so we could see each other and talk. Now that she can sit up I let her play on a blanket on the floor if we're home alone and I can still see her through the curtain.
2) Don't forget to floss too! Flossing will save you THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS at the dentist (not to mention pain and agony)!
3) I once went to JROTC Leadership School (in high school) and my boyfriend went too. We were about 15. At the end of the week, right after we went swimming in the pool, he admitted he hadn't showered THE WHOLE TIME. It made my skin crawl! No shower for a week and we'd been out in the South Carolina sun running and marching and... it's just too gross to think about! He said he "didn't have time," but somehow I found time to shower every night and I'm a girl! Geesh! |
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Wednesday, January 9, 2008 - **HOT COLD AND PRESSURE ALLERGY** |
| Posted by Sarai |
| I got diagnosed with this "not as rare as you would think" genetic (inherited) allergic condition about 10 yrs. ago. It is just as it says it is...allergic to hot,cold and pressure (like nylons). Water ALWAYS changes the temperature of a person's skin surface which results in an itchy spot or "hive". I cannot start to tell you how many soaps, lotions etc. I tried before I got diagnosed. I talk about my condition to try to help people who have it recognize it. I went right to the local allergist after I was diagnosed and he helped me immensely...lifechanging actually. |
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Saturday, January 12, 2008 - bathing |
| Posted by Anonymous |
| at age 46 i managed to survive through 'bird baths' and hauling water to the age of , oh i dont know , mabe 19. it didnt kill me , it was a way of life . we also had an outhouse , nothing i was ever thrilled with but i survived it . i dont think it ever occured to me to 'not take a bath' I grew up in the midwest , my dad worked at a grain elevater and cash was tight . I have to say , if anything , it helped to develope character . it takes a whole lot to 'throw me' or 'upset my day' . we were taught to do and make do. Now at 46 , finding my self in a simlar water situation from time to time . while the neighbors are having fits i just glide through my day , For petes sake folks , take a bath . |
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Saturday, January 12, 2008 - soap n water |
| Posted by Anonymous |
| We are every other day bathers here with a mandatory 'wash' in between days, just my raising i guess , large family , pump well and 5 gallon buckets , with a 35 gal ceramic crock indoors for water storage . we survived it and we were always clean . we were to only wash our hair once a week on saturday evenings as church was sunday , this was before the times of jells etc to stick everything under the sun to your hair , also we were required to cover so that helped . mom was big on brushing 50 - 100 times in the evenings as well . I graduated in 1980 from roseville, Ill high school with no ill effects LOL from lack of daily baths. |
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Re-inventing myself, one toenail at a time.
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