Better to be clean than sorry

By Manzi Mugisha Prince

Let us say you are a young lady who has just got on a bus from work on your way home. The seat next to you is empty, and the bus stops once again to let a person on. In comes a fine young man who moves in the direction of your open seat. From a distance, you can tell he possesses a sense of fashion, and you are delighted to at least spend the rest of your journey home with a much decent person. He makes it to your side the exact moment you take up everything you just thought about him. You are taken aback by the odor and wonder whether it is the same person you saw board the bus. You wish you had admired him from a distance.

Today I will talk about a trait that isn't addressed much but goes a long way to determine how people perceive you. I will focus on the gentlemen mostly because I am one and went through what we all go through. As for the ladies, the ones I know about are keen on their hygiene. According to my sources, a lot is expected from men in terms of physical means. And so, it is in our nature to perspire quite often. That is from one source, and the same source also says that the boy child is not trained to take care of their bodies as expected.

This might be the case, but to a large extent, I disagree with this theory. I believe it is not what they failed to train you while growing up but more of what you think is correct, the values and principles you stand for. This is where the aspect of integrity comes in. If you want people to perceive you the right way, you will have to do the right thing. Hygiene is not only about the clothing you have on but the place where you sleep. How would a friend of yours feel if they visited you surprisingly and got to see the true nature of your bedroom? They might not speak their minds, but they will think of you in a certain way. And do not start cleaning up your room thinking of the surprise visits but let it be more about you.

Hygiene on the body as well is as vital. Individuals who believe and say that taking a shower twice a day causes skin disease are delusional. There is nothing wrong with it; it is, in fact, healthy, especially for those who work out. First impressions matter a lot. If you want to have those around you comfortable, get to make yourself comfortable, beginning with where you sleep. Imagine going on a date, all smartly dressed, and you are dismissed just after the first interaction. To avoid such embarrassments, know what you stand for. If you believe sleeping in a comfortable bed and wearing clean clothes is vital, do it. Let it not be of the excuse that you were never taught to do it.