Week 4. “The Smell Bubble”

Whether we realize it or not, we are all surrounded by an “olfactory bubble.” In other words, we each project our own unique individual smell to the space around us. It becomes our odor universe. As someone enters our sphere and our olfactory bubble is punctured, they interpret the smell to represent who we truly are.

If the smell is pleasant or “good,” that person will perceive us to be “good” (or view us positively). Conversely, if the smell is “bad,” both consciously and unconsciously, the individual will perceive us to be inherently bad. To be candid, the worse we smell and the stronger our smell is, the bigger the olfactory bubble, and the more repulsed people may be.

Bottom line is that some research shows that girls perceive a guys’ potential capacity as a lover based on smell more than on looks or on income. In other words, keep yourself fresh and smelling good all night long (and all over your body) or your chances in the mating game may burst like a bubble!

Got any thoughts on Dr. Hirsch’s post? Still confused about the “Smell Bubble?” Have you had any nasty, funny or even successful experiences at smelly bars? Sweat out your feelings in the “Stench Support Group” here.

Week 3: “What’s that smell? Is it me?”

Let’s imagine this scenario for a minute: You’re a guy who has been out all night drinking. You’re at a packed bar and dancing feverishly with a girl. As you dance, your testosterone level increases, further elevating your already-present bodily aroma. By nature, your sense of smell is already less powerful than the girl’s, and the alcohol in your system is only hindering that sense more.

So with all those factors, how do you know if you smell? You could ask the girl you’re with (although not recommended) or a friend. Or you could use this method for identifying whether an aroma of B.O. is emanating from you.

Go outside for five minutes. Come back inside, find an enclosed room (men’s room works) and see if you notice a smell. There is always the old stand-by of “put your nose under your arm and sniff,” however by doing this, you will miss most of the bad smells coming from your scalp, trunk and abdomen.

The bottom line: When out at crowded, blisteringly hot bars, most guys think they can just use underarm deodorant. However, those guys may still start to smell bad whether they recognize it or not. Adding an all-over deodorant bodyspray may help you stay fresh all night long by combating odor-causing bacteria.

Check back next week to learn how an “olfactory bubble” could keep you from getting the girl.

Got any thoughts on Dr. Hirsch’s post? Any suggestions on how to tell if you smell bad at the bar? Any nasty (or successful) smelly bar stories? Spill the beans at the “Stench Support Group” here.