Dr. Jen Caudle, a family medicine physician, media personality, and professor at Rowan University, is known for keeping it real online—and her recent storytime video proves that sometimes, being honest can cost you a whole relationship.
In a now-viral post shared to her Instagram (@drjencaudle) and YouTube channel, Dr. Caudle recounted a painfully awkward dating story from a decade ago when she told a man she was seeing that he had body odor.
“He was smart, clever, kind… just a really good person,” Caudle said. “But I noticed the body odor on the first date. I thought, maybe he was nervous.”
Despite the initial smell, she decided to give him another shot. And then another. Three dates in, everything about the connection seemed right—except the scent.
“By the third date, I was like… okay. He just stank,” she said with a laugh. “And I didn’t want to lose the chance with someone so great over something that might be fixable.”
Caudle explained that body odor isn’t always linked to poor hygiene—it can be tied to diet, stress, or even health conditions. With that in mind, she decided to have an honest conversation.
But she couldn’t bring herself to do it in person.
“I didn’t have the guts. So I called him and I said it gently. I said, ‘You’re awesome… but I’ve noticed a little bit of an odor.’ And then—radio silence,” she recounted.
What followed was a mix of nervous laughter and tension. Caudle tried to reassure him, stressing her intentions were sincere, but after that call, she never heard from him again.
Social Media Weighs In
The story, shared with humor and vulnerability, has sparked hundreds of comments and debates across platforms. Some praised her honesty. Others questioned the method.
“Should she have done it in person?” she asked viewers. “Or brought a care package? Is there a right way to tell someone they have body odor?”
One follower wrote:
“I think you handled it very maturely, and if a woman pointed something out to me like that, I’d thank her and reassure her that it wouldn’t happen again if she allowed me to see her again! You did the right thing 👏🏿”
Another chimed in:
“I appreciate honesty in all forms.”
Real Talk from a Real Doctor
Dr. Caudle, who frequently shares medical and life advice on social media, used the moment to raise awareness that bodily smells are a part of health too, and shouldn’t always be tied to shame.
“I hope he took it with him and it helped,” she said sincerely. “It was hard for me too. But I meant it with kindness.”
Whether you’re a doctor or just dating, Caudle’s story is a reminder: honesty may be uncomfortable, but it’s also love in action.
