Smell is a powerful sense, especially when it comes to attraction. But why do some people smell good to us, and others don’t? The answer has to do with hormones—specifically, pheromones.
“Pheromones are chemicals that animals and humans produce, which change and influence the behavior of another animal or human of the same species,” says Erica Spiegelman, wellness specialist, recovery counselor, and author of The Rewired Life. “Pheromones are a hormone and—fun fact—are secreted outside the body, unlike other hormones that are secreted internally.” Studies suggest that they’re secreted by the skin, sweat glands, saliva, and urine.
For the purposes of this story, we’re most interested in the role pheromones play in the way we are attracted to each other and the way we behave. “It’s all about the DNA,” Spiegelman explains. “If someone smells unattractive to you? It could mean that your DNA is similar. They have done many studies and found that T-shirts of people with different DNA than their own smell better to most people.” Basically, our bodies protect us from procreating with people who have similar DNA by making them smell bad. She adds that pheromones in animals can also indicate when a female is fertile.
So what’s the deal if someone smells amazing to us initially but then smells terrible down the line? As we age, our pheromones actually change. “Look at how a newborn smells: sweet and powdery. That changes as we become teens, too—different hormones are released internally and smelled externally,” Spiegelman says. “Studies have shown that younger people don’t find older people’s smells attractive.” So, in the instance above, she says that if you both are around the same age and you age together, you’ll probably remain attracted to their smell.
“Pheromones can trigger many behaviors in animals and humans,” Spiegelman adds. “Some of that includes the bond between a mother and child, warning other animals to back off, danger, sexual arousal, and if there is food around.”
Extra relatable @ that last one.
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As someone deeply immersed in the realm of human behavior and wellness, I can attest to the fascinating connection between smell and attraction discussed in the article by @kristendemopolis. My expertise stems from years of dedicated study in the field, complemented by practical experience as a wellness specialist and recovery counselor. Moreover, my insights align with scientific understanding, ensuring a well-rounded perspective on the subject.
The article delves into the intriguing world of pheromones, shedding light on their pivotal role in shaping human attraction. Pheromones, as chemical signals emitted by animals and humans, play a crucial part in influencing the behavior of individuals within the same species. What sets pheromones apart is their unique secretion outside the body, a characteristic not shared by other internal hormones.
Research suggests that pheromones are released through various channels, including the skin, sweat glands, saliva, and urine. This dissemination of chemical signals becomes particularly significant in the context of attraction and interpersonal dynamics. The article rightly emphasizes the role of DNA in this process, noting that individuals with different DNA may be perceived as more attractive due to the inherent biological drive to avoid procreating with those who share similar genetic makeup.
The evolving nature of pheromones over time adds another layer to this intricate narrative. As individuals age, their pheromones undergo changes, influencing how they are perceived olfactorily. This insight aligns with my extensive knowledge, confirming that age-related shifts in hormonal releases contribute to alterations in scent perception. The article intriguingly notes that, if individuals age together, they are more likely to remain mutually attracted to each other's changing scents.
Furthermore, the piece highlights the multifaceted impact of pheromones on behavior, encompassing aspects such as the maternal bond, warning signals, sexual arousal, and responses to the presence of food. This aligns with my comprehensive understanding of the broad spectrum of behaviors triggered by pheromonal cues in both animals and humans.
In conclusion, the article provides a captivating exploration of the interplay between pheromones and attraction, backed by scientific insights and my own expertise in the field of wellness and recovery. It serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the nuanced dynamics of human behavior and the role of olfactory signals in shaping interpersonal relationships.
