People who don't bathe regularly? (parent)

[mateo45]

The issue of "Depressed" vs simply "Lazy" has been mentioned several times. Though "comfort" and just not wanting to be "bothered" are one thing. But neglect to the point of no longer taking any care or pride in oneself seems like the "tipping point" that indicates something more serious is going on.

[Jakealope]

Originally Posted by silibran

It might be hostility or passive aggression. Or depression. But there is not way for us to really know. Has anyone in the family tried to ask her about this?

My mother asked her, but she didn't answer.

[silibran]

Originally Posted by Jakealope

My mother asked her, but she didn't answer.

Maybe she doesn't know. I'd hazard a guess as passive aggression, especially if she feels she doesn't have autonomy in her life.

[judd2401]

It's not necessary to bathe everyday unless you're getting really dirty, sweaty, are young with high oil secretions, but bathing/showering everyday does strip the skin of it's natural protection and changes the pH balance which can lead to all sorts of skin problems in vulnerable people. The only thing in your case is that she is malodorous. That's the sticking point for me that something is wrong. It's possible she doesn't smell her own body odor, that is not uncommon, some people stink to the high heavens and they don't know it. My niece went through a phase where she didn't bathe much, and had mild BO at the same age but outgrew it and now takes very good care of herself.

[old_cold]

Rather than asking about why she doesn't shower more often, has anybody come right out and told her that her schedule isn't cutting it and that she smells?
There was an old commercial ...don't remember what it was for...that may be applicable here......
"Even your best friend won't tell you"
Well, somebody has to.

[Psychonaft]

I bathe every day because it's help relax and relieve stress, but not for cleaning. It may be even twice a day.

[OptimusPrime69]

I bathe probably about 360 days out of the year. There may be an odd day where I dont, like if it's a rainy, grey, cloudy day and it's a weekend day and I'm not panning on leaving the house, I may wake up and do laundry and clean my place all day, so why bother bathing? But, I could never get into NOT bathing. Something about getting out of the shower and putting on fresh clothes makes me feel alive and healthier. .

[YahYouBetcha]

Depression or drug addiction

[G0DDESS]

You DO realize that the majority of people around the world don't bathe daily, right? Cleanliness, hygiene and daily bathing is very much a "western" thing. Go to China, South America, Africa, France, etc.. you'll meet plenty that don't have the same standards as we do.

I also bathe daily -- yet it should be noted that it's a social problem. Perhaps it's not so much a drug/mental health issue as much as it is a "she's never been socialized or ridiculed enough to know it's expected" issue.

Have you made it known to her how badly most of us think of people who don't bathe?

[Calvert Hall '62]

Maybe this is an anti-male bias on my part but I can't imagine any female not bathing regularly unless she has a mental issue; whereas males often fail to bathe because of laziness.