The straight woman’s perspective: Rebecca Brown
I feel like we should be walking arm-in-arm on the beach, bundled up in J. Crew sweaters, and sipping some herbal tea as we discuss the ups and downs of becoming a woman. That’s how the Summer’s Eve commercials used to do it, anyway. But Summer’s Eve never would’ve told you this: honey, there’s not a woman alive who hasn’t worried whether her taco had too much seasoning on it. Everybody has those “not-so-fresh” days; you just have to learn how to make them “not-so-smelly” days.
First, take a good, hard look at your diet. Are you eating a lot of pungent foods? Garlic? Extra spicy nacho cheese Dorito’s? Work more fruits and veggies in. That should help make a difference in your bouquet.
Second, how’s your lawn looking south of the border? Lots of women wax or shave their bikini area, but they neglect to regularly trim the length of the hair they leave behind. If you’re a little too Crystal Gayle (that’s epically long hair, for you younger readers), you’re likely to have some smelly build-up from sweat and other natural, ahem, things, that come out of there. I’m not suggesting that you go all Sinead O’Connor, just keep whatever you’ve got nice and neat. That’ll cut down on the smell. And since I mentioned Summer’s Eve, they’ve got a whole slew of products designed to help with this exact conundrum: powder, spray, shower wash, and cleansing cloths, just to name a few. Invest.
I’d also try wearing a pantyliner so that you can change it often and regularly alleviate any stinkiness that might be rubbing up against your skin or hair all day long. (Mom, are you reading? I’ve officially channeled you.) If the stank persists, talk to your gynecologist—your PH may be out of whack.
Every woman has a smell, and from what I hear, most guys like this; it can apparently be quite a turn-on—when it’s not overpowering. What’s smells funky to some might not be all that bad to others, so I’m not sure what the difference is between “normal” and “bad.” Just keep your lady folds as clean as you can. And hang on to your boyfriend, he sounds like a sweetheart—a very tactful, patient sweetheart.
