Boyfriend’s Bathing Habits Raise Concerns, Woman Considers Ending Relationship

Seeking advice, a woman shared her troubling experience on an online forum, describing her boyfriend’s poor hygiene habits.

In mid-May, the original poster (OP) discovered some alarming details about her loved one’s shower routine.

โ€œI recently found out that my boyfriend doesnโ€™t wash his butt when he showers,โ€ she explained. โ€œWe were taking a shower together, and I noticed he applies soap to his hand and then just massages it over his body. He says he uses his hands to shower instead of a loofah or washcloth.โ€

While it’s uncommon, the OP discovered something more troubling.

โ€œI also noticed he doesn’t wash his buttocks properly. He thinks letting water run over them is enough,โ€ she continued.

Hoping to help him improve his hygiene without embarrassing him, the OP gently explained how to properly clean himself.

โ€œI tried to be considerate, thinking maybe his parents never taught him. I suggested he should separate his cheeks and wash the area thoroughly. He agreed to try it,โ€ she shared.

Reluctant to Change

A few days later, she checked in to see if her boyfriend had improved his hygiene habits.

โ€œI asked him if he had started washing his butt. He said no, that he found it gross to put his hand there,โ€ she revealed.

After this conversation, the OP began questioning their relationship.

โ€œNow, Iโ€™m reconsidering the relationship. Heโ€™s a grown man who doesnโ€™t practice basic hygiene. He says he needs time to get used to the idea,โ€ she noted.

Before asking the online community, โ€œAm I wrong for thinking about breaking up with him because he doesnโ€™t wash his butt?โ€ she added, โ€œIโ€™m not sure if Iโ€™m being too harsh. Is my desire to end things justified? Should I let go of the best partner Iโ€™ve ever had over this?โ€

Community’s Verdict

The online community overwhelmingly supported the woman, saying โ€œNTAโ€ (Not The A**hole).

โ€œIโ€™m a guy. Your boyfriend is gross,โ€ one user commented.

A healthcare worker added, โ€œAs a nurse who has seen too many men with unwashed butts, it IS gross.โ€

Another user joked, โ€œYou can lead a man to the shower, but you canโ€™t make him bathe.โ€

Others referenced a bizarre theory involving some men who believe itโ€™s โ€œgayโ€ to clean themselves properly.

โ€œThereโ€™s a small group of people who think washing oneโ€™s butt is โ€˜gay.โ€™ How they expect to attract any women while smelling bad is beyond me,โ€ one user pointed out.

Explaining why she hadn’t noticed any foul smells, the woman added, โ€œI lost my sense of smell in October 2020 due to COVID and never got it back.โ€