Oblivion to Smell

Do you find that our nose can get used to certain smells so that we can cease to find the smell stimulating or revolting? We may even cease to detect the smell. This is especially so when the smell is on us or on people close to us.

It is hard to smell the acidity of our perspiration, but it is easy to smell others. After using the perfume for some time, we often think that the fragrance has reduced in intensity, but our friends can still detect it when they are near us. Maybe this is the way nature works. The sense of smell is nature's way of equipping us with another 'tool' both for protection and bonding. Sometimes, we may not hear or see something, but an 'unfriendly' smell can warn us of imminent danger. On the other hand, we like to smell good for our friends and family and we like to hang out with people whose smells appeal to us.

There are certain jobs which are closing associated with smell, both good and bad. If our nose do not get used to the smell after a while, the job can be too unbearable. For instance, someone working in a food factory may cease to notice the intensity of the smell after a while. A fishmonger will need to tolerate the fishy smell in order to enjoy his job. If our nose always function at high alert for all smells, it may be difficult to attract people to these industries.

Oblivion to smells may not be as good in certain situations. For instance, oblivion to smell may mean that we cannot enjoy the healing aspects of aromatherapy. Oblivion to smell may result in less platable and appetising cuisines. Oblivion to smells may cause certain embarrassment - we may not detect the dank smell associated with un-thoroughly dried clothes.

If you see me the next time, do let me know if you smell undried clothes on me before I embarrass myself further by standing close to too many people. If you enjoy the whiff of perfume on me, please let me know so that I know that my perfume has not evaporated leaving only water in the bottle. Being a thin-skinned person, I would also appreciate it if you could let me know subtly and discreetly. It's a pact. *Grin*