I probably use soap on my body 3 or 4 times a year (still wash hands regularly), and shampoo once a week and notice no difference from how I smell from when I am using both.
In terms of hair-greasiness, when I began my hair was much longer and did feel greasier and appear more out of order, but with shorter hair there is not much of an issue and the shampoo once a week can stave it off.
Anyways, it seems like he is greatly exaggerating how badly he smelled. I smell no different, granted I apply deodorant to my underarms once a day but probably would not have to. Nobody I know comments on any bad smells either.
I'm not claiming you are wrong, but I don't believe these are strong arguments in your favour. I can recall many instances of "the smelly kid" throughout my life - people who appeared to be totally oblivious to the fact that they stank, and very rarely did people around them ever mention it - to their face.
That's the most common response I receive but I don't think it holds true in my case. For example my current girlfriend was extremely surprised when I told her I didn't use soap or anything about 6 months into our relationship. Same sort of surprise amongst my housemates since I am pretty hygienic and well-groomed.
Same here. I've probably applied soap to my body a handful of times in the last 40 years, apart from handwashing or after camping trips when I'm caked in mud. Shampoo needs depend very much on the environment. I worked ina rainforest reserve for a year and experimented successfully not using shampoo. Back in London my hair needed shampooing again.
My wife would also relish enumerating the various stenches that my stink could surpass at that moment.
Usually, I just get "you smell buttery", and that does not seem from context to be any sort of objectionable smell.
But when it comes to smells, it would be better to rely on someone not already habituated. You almost have to walk up to a complete stranger and ask their opinion.
In terms of hair-greasiness, when I began my hair was much longer and did feel greasier and appear more out of order, but with shorter hair there is not much of an issue and the shampoo once a week can stave it off.
Anyways, it seems like he is greatly exaggerating how badly he smelled. I smell no different, granted I apply deodorant to my underarms once a day but probably would not have to. Nobody I know comments on any bad smells either.