Me (25F), I noticed that my sister has had really bad breath for a while. At family dinners or when we spend time together, it’s become hard for me to ignore. I tried to deal with it quietly, but over time I got tired of constantly avoiding being too close to her.
A week ago, I finally told her. I said it gently, explaining that I wasn’t trying to be mean, but that I thought she should know. She took it very badly, told me I was being cruel, and got really upset.
Since then, she hasn’t spoken to me for a week.
AITA ?
NTA. I would want to know if that was me
That’s what I thought, yes, but for now she can’t understand it…
She may have a medical or dental issue. It’s unfortunate she took it badly even though you tried to deliver the info gently. Can you enlist the help of your parents or other person she trusts and likes? She needs to be strongly encouraged to get this looked at. NTA.
NTA.
This is like one of by biggest fears lol having bad breath and not knowing lol so if it was me, I’d like to know.
I understand her being upset, especially if it’s something she wasn’t expecting and being caught out of guard, but in the long run, this is for the best and she’ll understand it eventually.
Same! NTA from me too, because she might never know if someone doesn’t tell her.
NTA. Isn’t this what sisters are for?
exactly, its a kindness.
As soon as you noticed you should of let her know and helped her figure out why. Could be a dental or medical condition if she is brushing and flossing. Im close to my siblings and this is pretty obvious to me.
Better to hear it from you than from her boss. You did her a favor.
Well, NTA, but you effed up with her. She will probably never forgive you this.
I did this once to my female colleague (subordinate) after contemplating it for months. I did it the nicest way possible. Also, she is a nice person.
She never forgave me.
NTA
You told her something uncomfortable but useful, and you said it gently. Bad breath can come from dental issues, diet, meds, or health problems, it’s something people should know about.
She’s embarrassed, not harmed. Her reaction doesn’t make you wrong.
You weren’t cruel, you were honest.
NTA. Sometimes, only your friends will tell you what no one else will say. I’d think that, depending on how bad it is, he bad breath has resulted in her social life suffering, to say nothing about its impact on her professional life.
What’s more: her not speaking to you also means that you’ve been spared her bad breath! 😉
NAH. Telling someone they have bad breath is incredibly awkward, but it is ultimately an act of love; it is way better she hears it from her sister privately than from a date, a boss, or a stranger who might actually mock her for it. Her reaction sounds like pure defensive humiliation; she likely isn’t actually mad at you, she is just mortified and shooting the messenger. You did the right thing by telling her, especially since chronic bad breath can actually be a sign of health issues, so just give her space to cool off and get over the embarrassment.