Posted on December 9, 2023
In the realm of love, our senses play a significant role, with touch, sight, and sound often taking the spotlight. Yet, amidst these, an often underestimated yet potent factor in attraction is the sense of smell.
You might recall that advertisement for a deodorant, promising an irresistible allure with just one swipe. Contrary to the claims of that product, the sense of smell doesn’t operate in such a straightforward manner.
In matters of love, the senses are pivotal, with touch, sight, and sound often dominating the scene. Nevertheless, an aspect of attraction that is frequently overlooked but holds tremendous power is the sense of smell. The distinctive fragrance of our romantic partners carries an undeniable charm, a phenomenon that transcends mere biology.
At the core of our fascination with our partner’s scent lies the science of pheromones. Pheromones are chemical signals emitted by the body that contribute to attraction and communication between individuals. While the scientific understanding of human pheromones remains a topic of debate, there is a consensus that our natural scents can influence how we perceive and are drawn to others.
However, to comprehend any of this, we first need to understand how olfaction, or smelling, operates in our bodies.
What determines our liking or disliking of a smell?
Dr. Shaunak Ajinkya, a consultant psychiatrist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, explained that molecules from substances with a scent (such as food or flowers) enter the nostrils and interact with a small patch of specialized tissue containing millions of receptors (similar to erogenous zones) responsible for detecting specific odors.
“From here, the signals go to the olfactory cortex in the brain, which integrates this information with other sensory inputs to create the perception of the smell. Thus, the brain interprets smell based on previous experiences.”
This is why certain smells trigger strong emotional responses, as they evoke specific memories or emotions. It also explains why the sense of smell is highly individualized and varies from person to person.
How is this connected to the attraction to our partner’s scent?
Our brains excel at associating smells with emotions and experiences. Each individual possesses a unique combination of genetic markers contributing to their natural scent. This personalized fragrance becomes intertwined with memories and emotions, forming a distinct olfactory identity.
Over time, as a relationship evolves and positive experiences are shared, the brain may begin to associate the partner’s scents with these positive emotions.
“Humans can adapt to and become more accepting through repeated exposure to a person/event. That which might initially be perceived as unfamiliar becomes more pleasant over time. This process of adaptation can also contribute to growing fondness for a partner’s scent.”
What determines which smell will attract us?
In the dance of romance, words are not the sole communicators. The attraction to certain smells can be attributed to a combination of pheromones, genetic compatibility, and positive associations with the partner.
Consider the example of attraction to the smell of a partner’s sweat. While this might seem counterintuitive, research has shown that individuals are attracted to a partner’s natural body odor during intimate moments.
Cultural and personal factors also play a significant role in shaping preferences. “If a particular smell is associated with positive memories, it becomes attractive. Someone who grew up in a household where a specific type of cuisine was regularly prepared may find the associated smells comforting.”