How do you break it to someone?
By Amber
@AmbiePam (100835)
United States
July 24, 2025 2:44pm CST
I got in my friend’s SUV the other day, and I had to concentrate on not throwing up. It smelled so heavily of dogs it was almost unbearable (she’s the one who runs the rescue. It was so incredibly bad. I really didn’t think I was going to make it.
She always wants to drive when we go somewhere because she says she gets car sick if she doesn’t. So how do I handle this? I could kindly tell her how badly it smells, or buy her a cute car air freshener in the shape of a dog to cover my real intention. If it is a dog one she won’t take that as a hint as a lot of things I get her are dog related. My third option is trying to get her to drive my car. My fourth option is to say nothing and load up on nausea medication. It’s her car, and her business. (Her boss did tell her once her coworker complained she smelled like a dog although I have never detected her to smell anything but just fine).
What do you guys think?
24 people like this
24 responses
@Vikingswest1 (7139)
• United States
24 Jul
Find out how much a good car detailing costs and purchase her one as a gift.
Then, you can say that the last time you got in her vehicle, it smelled like dog.
You could add fluff too. Say you were getting a detail and saw they had a deal for a reduced price if a second detail were scheduled. Or you got a coupon with a BOGO discount.
I know dishonesty isn't the best advice but it may be better than telling your friend her car reeks of dog, lol.
5 people like this
@Vikingswest1 (7139)
• United States
24 Jul
@AmbiePam
It might just be that she already is aware that her vehicle smells like dog but just doesn't notice it.
You could also just say I smell dog, every time you get in. It may hurt her feelings but sometimes people need to hear things.
My wife wouldn't even ride in my work truck because she said it smelled like dirty carpets.
I bought air fresheners but then she said it smelled like pine scented dirty carpets.
I didn't mind driving it alone after that exchange.
5 people like this
@paigea (36155)
• Canada
24 Jul
That's a real conundrum. She probably thinks it's not worth cleaning as it will just get back to that state again.
I think you need to tell her. An air freshener isn't going to fix it.
It's the dog smell making you sick, not something she's doing wrong. You're not insulting her.
Having said that, I don't have an idea for elegant way to say it.
4 people like this
@allknowing (150240)
• India
24 Jul
She is immune to that smell. You have to tell her the truth. I would.
2 people like this
@allknowing (150240)
• India
25 Jul
@AmbiePam There is a way of opening it out to her. Tell her she is immune to the smell and therefore she does not getit She will love you. I promise you that
There was a colleague whose breath would smell. I told her in a diplomatic way She was grateful for that
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (52978)
• United States
10h
I guess that it depends on how close you are. If she’s a real close friend just tell her Girl it Stinks in here as amusingly as you can.
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (154674)
• United States
25 Jul
I'd have problems because of my allergies with furbabies but that doesn't matter... If it were me, I'd tell her I'm driving myself and she's welcome to ride with me but I can't ride in her vehicle anymore. That last part doesn't need to be said unless she starts insisting you ride with her.
Either she'll ride with you or she'll force you to say why you don't want to ride with her anymore. Either would be an improvement.
I'm sorry you don't think you can be honest with her about it, though. I always prefer to just tell someone if something is bothering me. Most of the time they listen and come up with ideas for how we can fix the problem. I HAVE lost a friend or two over small things that I couldn't get over or around but sometimes that happens.
3 people like this
@AmbiePam (100835)
• United States
25 Jul
@DaddyEvil OK, that’s not a bad idea, thanks.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (154674)
• United States
25 Jul
@AmbiePam Then tell her you NEED to drive and she's welcome to ride with you. Make it seem like you're getting more and more scared to ride with somebody else... Heck, with that bad accident in your past, she'd believe that.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (119832)
• Marion, Ohio
24 Jul
Get her the air freshener or a set of them as a gift. Helps you and doesn't hurt her.
2 people like this
@rsa101 (39367)
• Philippines
25 Jul
Oof, that's a difficult situation to be in, especially since she's your friend and clearly has a big heart with all of her rescue work. I think your idea of giving a cute dog-shaped air freshener is actually quite clever—it keeps things light and on topic without sounding critical. If the smell persists, you could casually suggest that you take your car "just for a ride" to get through it, but you shouldn't have to feel sick every time you ride with her. There is a kind way to handle it—and I believe you are already on the right track!
1 person likes this
@Jenaisle (15779)
• Philippines
25 Jul
With the situation of her mind right now and the stress she has suffered, you may want to put off telling her the truth first.
In the meantime, you can buy air fresheners if you have to ride in her car. You could also suggest that both of you drive your own cars because you have to go somewhere afterwards. It's a white lie, but better than telling her the truth now and adding more stress that may make her explode. 
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (87298)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 Jul
I'd opt for a really big cute and nice smelling dog shaped air freshener, It can't be good for her breathing all that in also, Then perhaps with time you could in a friendly way suggest that she get the car cleaned, Take a look at what I found,
https://www.paintyourpet.com/products/customized-pet-plaster-car-freshener
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (85507)
• United States
16h
That's a really tough situation to be in and I don't know what I would do honestly. Maybe I would try the air freshener idea first and hopefully you don't have to ride in her car very often.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (100835)
• United States
14h
I’ve come right out and told her harder things, but she’s going through “.hormone related things”, and she’s got some anger issues. I’ve only seen her take them out on others, and I don’t want her taking them out on me. I think I’ll try getting her to drive my car.
@aninditasen (17353)
• Raurkela, India
17h
I think you can talk to her directly about that.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (193365)
• United States
24 Jul
I think I would give her a dog shaped air freshener at a minimum and hope that helps. You could also say you don't get to drive your as much as you would like and say you want to drive.
1 person likes this
@Letranknight2015 (52357)
• Philippines
25 Jul
I wouldn't ride on her car again @AmbiePam and if a situation comes and she wants me to ride on that car I would tell her. The truth always hurts but doesn't kill.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (43928)
• United States
24 Jul
That's a tough call. Wish I had some suggestions.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (195674)
• United States
21h
How about some Fabreze? I'm sorry she's unapproachable right now. If she's that touchy, you must be careful.
1 person likes this
@Soobinah (88)
•
18h
I think at first she also think that her car smells bad because of the dog, but eventually she got used to it and doesnt bother anymore by the smell. maybe you could tell her in a nice way at least you tried to tell her. But if she doesnt care then, dont ride on her car anymore, its her car and her rule.
1 person likes this
