# Uncovering the Hidden Role of Smell in Our Relationships
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Chapter 1: The Overlooked Sense
When considering my five primary senses, I would rank them by sensitivity as follows: Touch, Sight, Hearing, Taste, and finally, Smell. Although my olfactory abilities are adequate, they are not exceptional. This never bothered me since I’ve always perceived smell as the least significant of our senses. However, as I delve deeper into the subject, I find myself reconsidering that viewpoint. Research has revealed that our sense of smell plays a more pivotal role in our lives, particularly in terms of love and attraction. Recent studies suggest that romance is not the only area influenced by our olfactory senses.
Understanding the Olfactory System
I once regarded our sense of smell as the least critical, yet I've come to see it as one of the most insightful. While Touch, Sight, and Hearing may appear more directly connected to our daily experiences, Smell serves as a subtle guide, offering age-old wisdom from deep within our minds.
The olfactory system, responsible for our sense of smell, comprises eight components in our throat, nose, and brain, enabling us to detect over a trillion different scents. The reason I consider Smell to be the wisest sense is that it is closely linked to the limbic system, an ancient part of our brain governing survival instincts, emotions, and memories.
Unlike our other senses, which must relay information to the limbic system from external sources, our olfactory system is already integrated with it, allowing for immediate emotional responses.
The Subconscious Influence of Scent
Another reason Smell holds such importance is its ability to operate beneath our conscious awareness. While engaged in conversation, we unconsciously detect others' emotions through chemical signals. A study conducted in 2016 highlighted that aggression and fear are among the most potent emotions we can smell, which is crucial for survival. Interestingly, this ability appears to be more pronounced in women than in men.
Furthermore, we also pick up on various emotional states through these chemical cues. Research has validated the saying that moods can be contagious, suggesting that our sense of smell plays a significant role in how we perceive the "vibe" of a person we meet.
The Aroma of Attraction
Scent is undeniably vital in determining romantic and sexual attraction. A 2020 study revealed that men can detect when a woman is sexually aroused, while other findings indicate that men's testosterone levels increase upon smelling the sweat of ovulating women. Women, too, can sense androstadienone, a pheromone found in men that is believed to attract them.
Additionally, the bond between mothers and their infants is heavily influenced by chemical signals. A 2021 study demonstrated that mothers send chemosignals through their body odor that synchronize their babies' brainwaves, highlighting the importance of scent in familial bonds.
Emerging Insights into Relationships
Given the evolutionary implications, it makes sense that scent significantly impacts our romantic and familial relationships. But what about friendships and social connections? An Israeli study published on June 24, 2022, titled "There is Chemistry in Social Chemistry," sheds light on this aspect. The researchers found that the immediate sense of "click" one feels upon meeting a compatible individual is influenced by chemical signals, even before personal histories are exchanged.
The Research Study
In this study, twenty pairs of same-sex friends who reported an instant connection were recruited. Participants were instructed to use unscented soap and avoid foods that could alter their body odor. They wore fresh cotton shirts for at least six hours, which were then stored for analysis.
To assess the similarity of body odors, independent judges and an electronic nose (eNose) were employed. Results indicated a notable similarity in scents among friends compared to strangers. Moreover, the eNose demonstrated a 71% accuracy rate in predicting social interactions between unfamiliar individuals based on body odor similarities.
These findings suggest that our sense of smell is deeply entwined with the formation of friendships.
The Impact of Anosmia
While I can still smell, some individuals are born without this ability, and loss of smell can occur, especially after COVID-19. The implications of this sensory loss are profound, affecting emotional well-being and social interactions. A 2021 study noted that about one-third of those who lose their sense of smell experience long-term impairments, leading to decreased quality of life.
Commonly reported issues include feelings of anxiety, frustration, and isolation, particularly among those who previously had a sense of smell. Depression, especially anhedonia—the inability to experience pleasure—is frequently cited among those who lose this sense.
A Shift in Perspective
This exploration has revealed the complexity and significance of our sense of smell, far beyond my initial assumptions. It influences our memories, emotions, and even our friendships and romantic relationships. Understanding the intricate role of the olfactory system enhances my respect for this ancient sense.
If our sense of smell can determine the connections we form with others, could other sensations like intuition or déjà vu be linked to yet-to-be-discovered features of our senses?
The first video, "Your Nose Does More Than You Give It Credit For," delves into the multifaceted functions of our sense of smell and its impact on our lives.
The second video, "How Many Friendships Can You Really Keep At Once?" explores the dynamics of friendship and the underlying chemistry that binds us to others.
This article was initially published in the author's newsletter, Curious Adventure, and has been edited for Medium with permission from Katrina Paulson, who continues to write about the wonders of human connection and discovery.