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Does a stinky coworker have you fretting that—as Jerry Seinfeld put it—the "O" won't stay with the "B"? Time to handle this delicate dilemma.

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  Step 1: Check yourself

  Take a good whiff of your own pits to make sure you and your coworker don’t share a common affliction. Phew just checking. But how embarrassing would that be?

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  Step 2: Ask about the smell

  When the two of you are alone, ask, “Do you smell that? What is that?” several times in a casual but concerned tone. If the odor is from poor hygiene, they should get the hint.

• Tip

  Be warned: people with a natural, strong odor become used to their own scent, so they literally won't be able to smell themselves.

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  Step 3: Combat the stench

  Clip a mini fan to your desk, use air freshener liberally, and frequently request that a window be left open “to get some fresh air in here.”

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  Step 4: Enlist a friend

  Invite a friend who doesn’t know your co-worker to the office, and instruct them to accuse you of having B.O. After you’ve made a show of proving that you don’t, have the friend lamely offer, “Sorry I guess it’s just the office?”

• Tip

  If Stinky is your boss or you're uncomfortable handling this directly, just tell Human Resources—they're paid to do this kind of dirty work.

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  Step 5: Give hints

  Use any gift giving opportunity to pass on some cologne. Or pretend to have discovered some new soap or deodorant that they just have to try.

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  Step 6: Talk privately

  Find Stinky where you can talk privately. Make eye contact and say in a sympathetic voice, “Maybe you don’t realize this, but you have a rather strong body odor.”

• Tip

  Tell a white lie: "I mention this only because I once had the same problem, and, while embarrassing, I'm glad it was brought to my attention."

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  Step 7: Run

  If Stinky begins approaching in a way that suggests your blood is about to be spilled, hightail it out of there—and call Security.

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  Step 8: Enlist the boss

  If the problem persists, ask the boss to intervene. Stinky may respond more positively to an authority figure than a peer.

• Fact

  At some places, you can be fired for offensive body odor—most private companies have behavior and dress codes, which body odor might fall under.