Steve and Mia | Scent of a man

Steve is a 50-something married man who's been around the block. Mia is a 20-something single immersed in the Center City dating scene. They may not agree, but they have plenty of answers. If you'd like an answer to your romantic troubles, e-mail them at S&M@phillynews.com or write: S&M c/o Daily News, Box 7788, Philadelphia, PA 19101.

Q: I've been been friends with a group of guys since grade school. Now we're all graduating from college, in our 20s. Some of us are getting married, others are enjoying the single life. But one of the guys hasn't even been on a date. And he's probably the most romance-minded in the bunch. Here's the problem, or at least one of them: He has horrible body odor. It's so bad we can hardly stand it, and we're guys. Can't imagine what the ladies think. Should we tell him?

Steve: As the J. Geils Band once observed, "Love stinks!" There are many causes for evil-smelling sweat, ranging from genetics to diet to medical conditions. The most diplomatic of your group should have a one-on-one chat with your friend and suggest that he discuss his condition with a doctor. Once a doc diagnoses the cause, he'll know how to cure it.

Mia: Ick. That doesn't sound like normal BO. My guess is your pal is aware of this and self-conscious about it but lacks the courage to do anything. So be gentle. Don't anonymously send him deodorant. Talk to him, suggest he see a doctor and most importantly, keep hanging out with him so he feels supported.

Q: I have been married for 31 years. My husband has had no sexual desire for years. Lately, he has begun to prop his leg up on his chair and put his hand on himself and slowly rub a few minutes and stop. I caught him one night and asked him about it, and he said he was scratching. He has been trying to hide doing this. Why is he doing this and then denying it?