Don't meet them until the issue is resolved.

mrsconn23

Dear Prudence,

I had a sudden, unexpected, and unwelcome health issue pop up that causes pretty rank body odor. My doctor has a plan and we’re working on it, but it will take a little time. In the meantime, I’m showering often, washing my clothes, belongings and sheets frequently, and giving everyone a bigger ring of personal space than normal. When I have the option for more ventilation or to avoid soft surfaces, I take it. I’ve told my close friends, and most other people are too polite to say anything. I also had to tell my boss because she brought it up with me. That was extremely embarrassing. I’m joining my boyfriend in visiting his family soon. I’ll be meeting them for the first time, and I get the impression they’re a bit traditional. It probably won’t be cleared up by then! I don’t want to be stinky at their house, but my boyfriend says it would be weird to tell them about it. What should I do?

—Stinky First Impression

charlotte989875

Reschedule the visit. Not because it’s wrong to have body odor, but to make yourself comfortable! If he’s not willing to do that, you probably don’t need to meet his family. 

banana468

charlotte989875 said:

Reschedule the visit. Not because it’s wrong to have body odor, but to make yourself comfortable! If he’s not willing to do that, you probably don’t need to meet his family. 

Yeah - if your scent is something that won't be able to be avoided (like say you're going to see them late in the day and that's when you smell the most like fish) then don't do it.    

CharmedPam

That would be a hard convo.  “Heeeeeey the smelll you’re all smelling? Medical condition.  Not permanent”.  How does one bring that up?
i like the rescheduling thing. 

mrsconn23

They're so 'traditional' (whatever that means...is it a different culture or a WASPy thing?) that telling them LW can't join this time because of a health issue would give them the vapors?  

I think LW should tell BF they're not comfortable meeting his parents until this issue is cleared up.  If he can't deal with that, then it's DTMFA time.  FFS, it's been brought up at work for this poor LW, much to their embarrassment.  I would want the floor to swallow me rather than have either side of that conversation.