Is it normal that people around me act as if i smell?

Hi, my story begins like this: It was a school week and everything was normal but I stupidly and disgustingly decided not to shower that night when I returned from school. The day after that I skipped showering again. I did this a couple of days until the end of the week. Soon it was already 7 days since I hadn't showered. There was no problem with my smell until the 7th day. That was when I arrived to class, everything seemed fine, but as soon as I sat down kids in the class looked at me and closed their noses. One girl said, "Oh my god! Disgusting." Then I knew I was in deep shit. I realized the mistake I made and i regretted it obviously. This is the outcome of pure laziness and stupidity. After a few classes I couldn't take it anymore. I called my parents telling them that I had to go home to take a shower. I was so embarrassed at myself and ashamed. I couldn't believe where I put myself.

So I got home and I took a shower. I didn't wash my hair though, because I was already used to not washing it for about a week or so. I thought I would just fix my bangs, my mom said it was a bad idea, but she washed my bangs and went over them with the blow dryer. Every week I would blow dry my hair straight and I have the type of hair where it can hold itself as you styled it for quite a while. So I thought it wouldn't be that big of a deal. I am a clean person so I thought that everything would be back to normal. But since it hasn't. The next day I went to school normally. To my surprise, nothing had changed since the day before. People closed their noses when they were around me and had the expression on their face as if they smelled something gross. I thought that I should have washed my hair the day before, and i really should have. So the day was shit. I returned home washed my hair and took a shower.

The following days of going to school were horrible, people closed their noses around me, every time I entered a room people held their noses and complained about the horrible smell. I was confused, and still am, I took really good showers every day but still there was something wrong. I struggled with this, every kid who came next to me would wave their hands against their nose so they wouldn't smell the odor that I didn't understand they were smelling. I put deodorant every day to make sure I was clean, but nothing had changed. It was the worst year of my life you could say. My parents told me that they were just making fun of me and that it wasn't possible that after I showered every day that I would have a smell. And they were partly making fun of me but at the same time they were serious. And I'm not delusional, I know that I smell good but I swear when people were next to me they smell something bad.

I moved to a new city and changed schools about a month or two after that experience. School last year was sort of ok but still everybody around me would complain about a smell that I myself couldn't smell. When people were around me they would close their noses. But it wasn't that bad last year.
Now this year its very different. When I sit with my friends they all complain about a smell. My friend who I thought was my best friend sits next to me and touches her nose all the time as if she smells something bad. Everybody complains about a smell every time I'm around them. Even my teachers hold their noses when I talk to them. You don't understand how my life is a nightmare. It gets bad. When I sit in class people who sit in front of me turn around and look at me while closing their noses. They also look at me close their nose and laugh. They will say that it smells like shit or sweat. I'm not paranoid. I asked my mom if I smelled bad and she said no you smell good.

I am Not a delusional person. I shower every day, put deodorant and a spray of perfume which is a nice scent. I know that I should smell good, but the people at school say differently. Nobody has complained to me face to face. But most people avoid me and walk away. Some are ignoring me sometimes. I'm not the wall, I am a human being. I came to this school clean showering every day, because I learned my lesson from the previous school. But apparently I am still learning my lesson at my current school because people are just dying from the smell that i sincerely can not smell. How is this possible? They smell something I don't? There is no reason for them to be making this up because I didn't physically do anything for them to laugh at me for in the first place. Every time I enter a class room, somebody screams there is such a bad smell. When I stay home, nobody misses me. Please I need some advice.
I believe that I smell good, my family say that I smell good, but body language and people proclaiming that there is a bad odor at school and sometimes public places is telling me other wise. My family don't smell anything bad emitting from me. Though I did visit a friends house of the familly's and the people I was hanging out with there would keep flaring their noses and covering them as if they smelled something bad. They only did this when I was next to them. And I know the difference between having to sneeze or your nose scratching to smelling something bad.
Please, I need some advice and I would really appreciate it. Thanks for reading it means lots x

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Based on 133 votes (29 yes)
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Comments ( 39 )
  • KeepsakeDoll

    I think it's your breathe.
    Brush your teeth, listerine, and chew some gum to experiment.
    I heard from that some people suffer from something which gives them bad breathe, though. Not really sure.
    Best of luck to you.

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    • StanlaRodgers

      I don't have really bad breath. I mean I have normal breath nothing that is too serious. I do usually chew gum or eat some tic tacs and sure it does improve my breath when I'm talking face to face with someone as it does for most people. The thing is, even when I'm not talking they make these gestures and close their noses as if they were reacting to bad smell and they even say out loud they can't stand the smell. I don't smell anything bad though. My parents tell me act is if you smell it too so they won't blame it on you (they are aware of what I went through during the previous school thats why they moved me, but its still happening now). They don't 100% believe me when I tell them what is happening. I don't want to act like I smell a bad odor when I literally don't smell anything gross. I'm sick of it and I am a clean person I don't know why this is happening to me. I'm thinking it might be because I didn't shower for 7 days when I was attending my previous school (in a different city). And know I shower every day to make sure I smell good. But its still occurring. I know this is bizarre, I feel like its a strange situation. But its happening and i can't just ignore it. I really don't what to do and I'm not a delusional person. When I pass people as well in the corridors of my school, they always cover their nose.

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      • bin980

        Hey I have been experiencing same issues. I don't know it's relevant after these many year. I found anti fungal hair lotions which are used for dandruff treatment useful. I used a shampoo contained ketokonazole, zinc pyrathione, piracto olamine as a body wash. Lather it for 5 min. Use it once or twice in a week. You will see the difference.
        Might be some parasitic attack.
        1. Do some outdoor activity.
        2. Check for vitamin b12, d deficiency.
        3. Take multivitamin tablet.
        4. Go for low fodmap diet.
        5. Avoid sugary drinks.
        6. Reduce stress, these parasites thrives on stress sweat which is different from normal sweat.
        Good luck.

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      • MeDepressed2

        Hi Stanlarodgers,
        I read your story about your smell that everyone smells but you can't smell it..I do have the same situation..I can't figure it out what is causing this.please let me know if you've got it figured out.. would like to know..what is causing this bad smell..

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      • KeepsakeDoll

        Do you have some sort of health class before meeting up with them or something?

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        • StanlaRodgers

          No.

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  • chaserwillow12577

    If you shower everyday you shouldn't be smelly. Why don't you ask someone if you smell? Or ask why everyone does that. Maybe some kid knows a kid from your previous school and they told them? I would straight up ask someone though. My brother-in-law smells. All the time. Like dirty socks or something. Go to the doctor if you have too to make sure it isn't something more serious.

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    • Ellenna

      That was my first thought, that the grapevine has spread to her new school - not hard with facebook etc these days - and the kids at the new school are buying into it at your expense.

      I'm not clear whether they've actually said you smell? They may be moving away from you for reason, for instance they're a pack of immature arseholes who always treat newcomers badly?

      Alternatively, I once worked with a woman who showered faithfully every morning - we could all tell because she lived near work and wd arrive with wet hair - but she was mistakenly economising on washing her clothes and buying deodorant because she & her bf were saving hard to buy a house.

      She didn't save money on smokes unfortunately and what with the cigarette smell and the dirty clothes smell eventually a client complained so the office manager had to talk to her about it, which she should've done before it got to that stage.

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      • StanlaRodgers

        No I don't use my facebook at all and I'm not friends with any of the kids from my previous school on there so theres no connection. Also it wasn't like a public thing where they would call me names. They did quietly though in my previous school and they would make faces at me. It was a school with snobs and everybody was shitty. Theres no connection from my previous school to the school I currently go to. Its different cities anyways.

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  • WolfGal

    This has happened to me before. Everywhere I went people would say it smells bad and keep their distance. It was truly a traumatic experience. I then researched what it could be and found out that it was a parasite. Papaya seeds worked. I don't know if this is the case for you but it's possible. I really hope you have resolved this issue. Take care.

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    • Bossman

      WolfGal, how long did you eat papaya seeds for? And did you have to change your diet?
      How long until you were cured of the smell?

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  • mikey97

    I need help. I have been going through the exact same thing for the past 2 years. Did you ever get past it?? I’m becoming depressed and that is scaring me..

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    • MeDepressed2

      Hi mikey97,
      please let me know ..if Your still going through this..I Kno it can be very depressing..I feel the same way.. because I've been dealing with this for 5 years now..and still here..be strong..we will find a way..

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  • Lizziebaby

    So sorry you are dealing with this sweetie. Has your mom taken you to the Dr?? Maybe the Physician can find out if there is something that may be causing it. The Dr can even make his/her own honest judgment on if you do have a scent coming from your body. This kind of thing happens to all sorts of people.. Sometimes it can be their home environment, pets, or even the detergent your clothes are washed in, that don't necessarily agree with your bodies chemistry. Maybe your PH levels are off. I heard eating too many veggies and certain spices or strong foods can make someone give off an odor. Definitely wash your hair every day.. Buy 2 or3 different shampoos, so your hair doesn't get used to the same chemistry. Sometimes perfumes don't agree with your body chemistry either.. So experiment with and without body spray, see if you find something that agrees. But see your Dr if you are still feeling blue about your situation. Hang in there.. ;)

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  • januarycurse

    That's very odd and strange. Find out what could be causing this.

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  • VVR

    You're obviously worked up about this, it's on your mind a lot. Do you ask people at school if you smell? Kids will make fun of you if they find out you're worried about something like that. They'll act like you smell just to watch you freak out.

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  • drummerben04

    Do not shower twice a day that will dry out your skin. shower once every 2-3 days which is fine for most people. The only true way to find out is ask a good friend.

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    • StanlaRodgers

      I shower every day once and I put deodorant. I contemplated on asking a "friend" how I smell but my mom told me its better not to because then they will start assuming that Im insecure and that maybe I do have a bad smell. The thing is I have been to this school for two years (this is my second year) and these aren't really people that have been my friends for long. I can't say that I have any friends close enough to ask and that they would understand. Most of these kids are starting to act cold to me. I have a friend that I know since I was 6 and I asked her and she told me I didn't have a smell. She doesn't go to the school that I go to though. These kids just aren't really nice to me. They only give a shit about themselves and its not because I don't make any effort to be friendly. I'm completely friendly and I can express myself whenever I want to. These kids though are jerks most of the time.

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  • ChocolatePrincess

    Ok I think its your clothing how the way your clothing smells. Everybody smells like there house do you have animals? you could smell like dog or like kitty litter. Does your parents smoke in the house you could smell like cigarettes. Just because you use body mist does not mean it will cover up the smell. Most perfumes etc just mix with the odor. Do you know how many people smell so bad but don't even realize it? I think it has to deal with your body and your nose blocking out those smells. Also ask a very trusty friend to see if you smell and ask what does the odor smell like?

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    • Ellenna

      That last sentence is the obvious way to go .. now why didn't I think of suggesting that? Or her family? Surely they would've noticed and said something?

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      • StanlaRodgers

        I asked my parents and they don't smell anything. My mom is the type of person who will definitely tell you the truth if you ask her. She's a clean person herself and she would notice if I smelled bad. All my family tells me that I smell fine and they don't smell any odor emitting from me. Its just when I go to school and sit with friends then the faces start and the complaints. Once my friend even came to my house and every time I left the room she would spray it with Febreze. It was so rude so I just told her its not nice to spray my room every time I leave and that I'm already choking from the smell. She also "jokingly" told me did you fart? When was the last time you showered? I hadn't farted the whole time and it was just really rude. I shower everyday and this shit still happens to me. Every night I shower and in the morning before leaving to school I spray a bit of perfume and put deodorant and clean clothes and leave. It might just be my "friends" making fun of me but its even people i dont know.

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        • Ellenna

          You are being bullied by some really nasty spiteful people. These are NOT friends! Especially not the one with the spray can.

          I don't know what you do about morons like this except try and ignore them, stay away from them, stop imagining they're your friends because they so obviously are so not. I know it's hard, but they do it to get a reaction to bolster up their own petty little egos. Is there anyone at school you can talk to, a counsellor or similar?

          I'd also suggest you have a look around at school, I'll bet there are some other people who've been made outcast by these or similar fuckwits, maybe you could get together and give each other some mutual support?

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          • StanlaRodgers

            Thanks for the advice, my family also gives me similar advice. I will try to slowly stay away from these kids. Like you know not all at once, but slowly to the point where we aren't that close because seriously I don't need these people in my life you're right. It's not like I haven't thought about stopping to talk with them, its just one of these girls is just supposedly one of my closest friends and even though she treats me this way she still invites me to her house and talks with me. I feel like I'm her "backup plan" and I am nobody's back up plan thats for sure. I'll just ignore her because she really acts horrible towards me and she thinks shes right in the way she acts. I can't stand people like that. I can't believe I actually still involve myself with people like this.

            I'll try to surround myself more with nicer kids who don't try to purposefully ruin my day. Hopefully I'll succeed in that.

            I'm not really up for talking to a counselor because I'm hoping this will all blow over and I'm trying my hardest to stand strong and ignore most of whats happening. Plus it won't help because in my previous school I got the counselor involved and she really didn't help at all. At first I thought she wanted to but she wasn't really into understanding me and the situation. She was occupied more on blaming it on me. I'll update on whats happening in my situation and if it even gets any better.

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            • Ellenna

              This "back up" so-called friend is using you, don't accept her invitations and let her wonder why: it's OK to just say "I don't want to come to your house" with no explanation - let her sweat!

              I wouldn't dismiss all the counsellors in the world because you didn't get what you needed the only time you tried! But of course that's totally up to you - counsellors don't have magic wands or solutions, although some pretend they do, but often they can help you get through bad times quicker by being impartial sounding boards. Bullying could never be the victim's fault, but certainly people who are a bit different or with low self esteem are prime targets, maybe that's what she meant? Being a loner is fine if that's how you are, but low self esteem can be changed: I know it can!

              Good luck however you decide to handle it

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      • ChocolatePrincess

        Well apparently they won't say nothing that this person has an odor. So he/she needs to ask someone instead of having people look at he/she sideways.

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        • Ellenna

          I agree - surely someone will have the honesty to say answer yes if asked Do I Smell?

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  • Death&Taxes

    You probably do most of these things I'm about to list, but maybe something could help idk. Shower every single morning before school no matter what, I like to use old spice body wash bc the bottle says the scent lasts 8 hours and u can use it on hair too. Make sure your clothes smell clean and that the detergent you use isn't a problem. Check your shoes for dog debris, always carry gum and brush on the daily, wear a subtle cologne (nothing to strong or obvious), wear anti-persistent/deodorant, if you smoke cigarettes then that's another possibility of the source. You'd be suprised how many smokers can't smell the smoke on them. If the problem persists, then ask your doctor the next time you're there because it could be a medical condition. Best of luck.

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    • StanlaRodgers

      I went to a doctor a while ago and she didn't smell anything from me and she ran some tests and I think they turned out pretty normal.

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  • Avant-Garde

    Maybe, you have this condition: http://www.wapd.org/index.php?pgref=kb/tmau

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    • StanlaRodgers

      I don't think so. If i had this condition I'm sure that everybody would smell not just at school?

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  • GreyWulfen

    An unusual or strong body odour can be a sign of certain illnesses. Maybe it's time to see a doctor.

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    • StanlaRodgers

      Right but my family says that I smell fine and they don't make faces at me like the kids at school do.

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  • green_boogers

    Soap up twice, wash your hair twice, brush the back of your tongue when you brush your teeth. Drink lots of water (helps with lactic acid). Clean the armpits of your shirts and crotch of your underwear with mechanics hand cleaner. Let it soak on for 12 hours before putting into the washing machine. Wash your clothes with a small amount of bleach. Wash your shoes by hand. Put a bit of deodorant behind your ears and on the edge of your nose.

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  • LifeTheRide

    Maybe you stepped in dog poop? Or maybe the people at school are smelling something else but they think it's coming from you.

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    • StanlaRodgers

      I'm sure that I didn't step in dog poop. And only when they are around me they act as if they smell something bad. And think about it, I already changed schools and this is happening every day. Its a daily occurrence and only when they're around me or next to me they always complain about the odor. And they look at me repulsed sometimes. They sometimes just leave when we're all sitting and when I'm talking to them during lunch time.

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      • LifeTheRide

        Maybe they're smelling each other? Maybe the halls aren't clean enough.

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        • StanlaRodgers

          I think the halls are decent. They are generally clean. I mostly don't smell anything gross from the hallway, but there are some days when it doesn't smell or look 100%.

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