Boyfriend's bad breath is ruining the romance

Dear Chat Daddy, I am a 23-year-old woman who is madly in love with my 25-year-old boyfriend. He has been with me through thick and thin and I love him with everything I got. The problem is he has bad breath.

I’ve noticed this problem for a while

I’ve noticed this problem for a while now but don’t know how to handle it. It is definitely a turn off. Lately, I find myself not wanting to be intimate and our sex life is really starting to suffer. I just need some suggestions as to how I can bring this up without hurting his feelings. Please help! -Brotha, Your Breath Is Tart!

Dear Brotha, Your Breath Is Tart! Well, sister, if you really love the brother like you say you do, I think that you should really take the time and work with him. You may just have to come out and tell him, but approach it with love and understanding. Express that you deeply care about him and want him to be healthy in every way possible. Yes, he may feel embarrassed, but he may not be aware that his breath is bad. Suggest going with him to see a dentist or oral hygienist who will consult with him and give him resources to assess the problem and get a solution. Many people suffer from halitosis or bad breath. This is a real disease that effects millions of people and is treatable. Until then, hold your breath while you hold his hand each and every step of the way until things get better. After all, that’s what true love is all about. Be encouraged.

Dear Chat Daddy, My wife and I have been married for almost two years now. We recently bought a beautiful new home and just had our first child. I have one problem; my mother in law is living with us so she can help my wife with the baby, but she is making my life a living hell. Her mother drinks out of control, smokes in the house and is constantly getting in our business when it comes to raising our baby. She always has something negative to say about me. She never cleans up after herself and refuses to help around the house. When we try to have alone time as a couple, she always wants to interrupt and be in the room with us whenever we decide to watch a movie. It is putting a strain on our marriage. Chat Daddy, what should we do? -Trying To Be The Man Of The House

Dear Trying To Be The Man Of The House, Congratulations on all of the good things that are happening for you and your family. But I’m going to be honest with you, brother, it’s time for momma to go back where she came from before she causes any more drama in your household. This is definitely an issue. First and foremost, married couples do need their space and privacy and her mother occupying the same space makes it hard for you to really focus on each other’s needs, wants and desires. Try having a heart-to-heart talk with your wife and maybe the three of you can sit down and discuss some household boundaries that need to be implemented until your wife is comfortable enough with momma moving on. If she must stay, you may also want to get involved in family counseling to try to sort things out and build a better understanding. Here’s to you and your family establishing a stronger bond of unconditional love, respect and peace of mind. Be Encouraged.

Art “Chat Daddy” Sims can be reached at chatdaddy@chicagodefender.com.