Good standard of cleanliness is essential for relationship

Q. My boyfriend of ten months is not good on personal hygiene.

He showers about twice a week and even then doesn’t seem to use soap. I’ve also noticed that he never washes his hands after using the toilet. He is a relaxed, funny guy and I love him but I find the strong body odour very off-putting — particularly when it comes to sex. How can I tackle the subject without hurting his feelings?

A. Personal hygiene is important for lots of reasons. This includes for social reasons like being with other people. If you are in a relationship you are sharing a living space. In the context of an intimate loved one, it is not just sharing in an apartment or a house, it is important as you share a bed as well. Sex is about sharing our body with someone else. If there is a turn off it could spell the end of the relationship.