Dear McKoy: My Husband’s Bad Hygiene is Affecting our Marriage

Dear McKoy: I’m in a bit of a hygiene nightmare with my husband, and I could really use some advice. I’m 35, and he’s 47, but when it comes to cleanliness, he’s far from Mr. Clean. No matter what I do, he just won’t stick to a regular teeth-brushing routine, and his breath could knock out a buffalo! On top of that, he’s totally fine with wearing the same clothes for weeks on end, even though they’re falling apart and he’s gone up a few sizes since he first got them.

I’ve tried talking to him about it, but he’s in total denial. He’ll go months without a haircut until his boss basically forces him to clean up his act. And don’t even get me started on his hatred for soap and shampoo – it’s like pulling teeth to get him to use them! It’s gotten so bad that I’m at the point where I don’t even want to be intimate with him unless he’s had a proper scrub-down and changed into clean clothes. I’ve tried hinting, suggesting, and even flat-out telling him, but nothing seems to work. Any advice on how to handle this situation would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely, S.J.

Dear S.J: Dealing with your husband’s hygiene habits can be very frustrating, but there are ways to tackle it. You must first have a heart-to-heart with your husband about your concerns. Let him know you’re coming from a place of care and just want what’s best for him. Instead of just pointing out the problem, suggest practical fixes. Maybe set reminders for brushing teeth or showering, or create a hygiene routine together. Show him the importance of good hygiene by sticking to your own routine and inviting him to join in. If things don’t improve, consider seeking advice from a pro like a therapist or healthcare provider. They might have insights or strategies to help. Change takes time, so be there for your hubby and celebrate any progress, no matter how small. With understanding and teamwork, you two can find a solution that works. Hang in there!

McKoy