Unveiling the Link Between Love and Your Sense of Smell
A person’s scent is a big part of what draws them to us. But how strong is the link between what we sniff and our love lives?
SOCIAL DYNAMICS
Have you ever gotten a whiff of someone’s perfume, cologne, or even just their natural scent and felt every cell in your body activate? If their scent was particularly magical, you might have even felt a fleeting spark of instant attraction.
And have you noticed how some people bury their noses in their lover’s hair or how others love to wear their partner’s smelly t-shirts?
Well, the truth is that when it comes to the different ways that scents can influence a friendly or romantic connection, there’s far more than meets the nose.
Your nose is a good compass when it comes to finding a suitable partner
And there are two reasons for that.
The first is pheromones. Pheromones are partly responsible for why men and women are attracted to each other. Simply put, these chemical messengers tell us who to gravitate towards and who to stay away from. And they are powerful.
Second, certain genes, which are a big part of our immune system, make molecules that influence our attraction to others.
And did you know that we often (consciously or otherwise) feel attracted to people who have a different set of genes than our own? It’s a science-backed fact.
For example, when a man gives off a scent signal to a woman with a different set of genes, she naturally gravitates towards him.
Well, that’s because having kids with someone with a different set of genes than yours means that your child’s immune system will be better able to cope with a wider variety of disease-causing germs.
Plus, someone with a different set of genes isn’t likely to be part of your kin.
So when you come across a person giving off just the right scent for you, the part of the brain involved in our emotional and behavioural responses is stimulated.
When the stimulus is attractive to the person smelling them, it has an influence. They may even associate positive feelings and memories with that person.
Scents can also be a powerful psychological tool
Your partner has a unique smell that your brain connects with your attachment to them. That comforting and familiar smell can help you fulfil your need to be close to them. So, when they’re away, you might want to hang onto their hoodie.
“Your partner’s smell has a relaxing effect on your brain.”
In fact, it can even help you fall asleep.
So, if you’re having trouble sleeping when you’re apart, then bringing their worn shirt to bed is worth a shot!
And it’s not just that. When we think about the person we love, most of us can remember the scent of their body or their perfume. So clearly, there is a connection between smell and memory.
And while pheromones play a big role, it’s never a bad idea to make a conscious effort to smell good.
So let’s take a look at…
Some scents that might help to create a certain mood
In the realm of scent, attraction, and memory, essential oils might also play a role.
Some scents are traditionally associated with particular emotional responses, and while this is considered an alternative therapy, there is some emerging evidence that certain smells may have some benefits for how we feel.
However, it's important to remember that there are many unverified claims about essential oils, and potential risks exist when using certain aromatics.
Let's go through some traditional associations of certain scents and how they might help to create a certain mood:
Rose for Romance
Rose is a standout fragrance for romance. It calms the nervous system, reduces anxiety, and can also be used as a sexual tonic.
Lavender for Relaxation
The scent of lavender calms you down by reducing stress and anxiety. So, if you want to unwind before a date or get some sleep afterwards, this one’s for you.
Chamomile for a calming effect
Chamomile essential oil from flowers is used in herbal tea and because of its soothing effect, it’s quite popular as a night herbal tea. So, if you’re having trouble sleeping, you could give this a try.
Jasmine to spice it up
Jasmine essential oil calms the nervous system and there is some indication that it may help people with low mood. It is also an aphrodisiac and can be used as a sexual tonic and stimulant. If you’re looking to spice things up in the bedroom, jasmine oil could be your go-to.
Despite the intrigue and promise of the benefits of different scents, it's essential to use these oils safely and ask a professional about safe usage. Always ensure you're using a quality product and follow the safety guidelines for use.
Sources:
-Hofer M, Chen F et al. (2020) The Scent of a Good Night’s Sleep: Olfactory Cues of a Romantic Partner Improve Sleep Efficiency. Association for Psychological Science.
-Grammer K, Fink B, Neave N.(2005) Human pheromones and sexual attraction. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology.
-Granqvist P, Vestbrant K, et al. (2019) The scent of security: Odor of romantic partner alters subjective discomfort and autonomic stress responses in an adult attachment-dependent manner. Physiology and Behaviour.
