How do you talk to someone about their severe acne in a sensitive manner?
I hаνе a nеw friend thаt hаѕ really severe acne. I dο nοt thіnk hе іѕ seeking professional treatment, maybe bесаυѕе οf money issues, I’m nοt really sure. Thіѕ раrt іѕ grοѕѕ ѕο don’t read іf уουr squeemish. Hе mυѕt hаνе hаd a ruptured cyst οr something bесаυѕе thеrе wаѕ a spot οn mу couch. I lіkе thіѕ person very much bυt уου јυѕt саn’t gο around oozing οn peoples stuff. I’d lіkе tο add thаt hе іѕ very self concious аbουt іt аnd I саn tеll hе іѕ embarrassed bу іt. Wе don’t talk аbουt іt though. It’s lіkе thе White Elephant іn thе room. Hοw саn I approch hіm аbουt еіthеr seeking treatment οr аt lеаѕt trying аn OTC product? I јυѕt don’t know hοw tο аррrοасh thе subject.
Wow, eleven minutes and no answers. Obviously this question scares the c**p out of everyone. It scares the crap out of me too.
First off you friend is probably making fun of himself in his mind all the time without realising it, so anything that even sounds vaguely like your making fun is going to set off that alarm in his mind. No escaping that. Try first to get him into a relaxed mindset, then start talking about imagining. Be open about the one thing about yourself that you would change if you could. Be truthful. Then ask him if he could change one thing about himself what would it be.
If he manages to be brave enough to say it’s his acne then acknowledge his bravery and then ask him "What do you imagine would have to happen for that to come true?"
The point is to get him to come up with thinking about the possibility and for him to come up with even one idea of what would have to happen. After that you can lead him to a few constructive solutions.
Be very patient, very understanding, stay constructive. Good Luck.
You really could talk about it. He may feel uncomfortable, but only at first. You might say:
"Can I say something to you because I care about you?"
And then, just go for it. You might even offer to go to a professional with him. He may thank you later.
Also, if you ever become serious, it will be important to able to talk to each other freely and honestly.