Pheromones, what role do they play in attraction?

[Monique Kova]

The perfume/cologne industry is worth billions in western society. Speaking from a woman's point of view, I'm sure I'm not alone is saying how much I have personally spent in my quest to find the perfect scent to attract men. I have a long list of what I think are the best ones but that is not where I am going with this topic.

I usually bring some with me when I go out in public especially if I know if I will be perspiring. Whether the beach, working out, or going to the dance club, I always spritzed some on me in the washroom to freshen up. A few years ago, I went alone to the dance club wearing a sleeveless top and completely forgot to bring perfume. I still remember how exceptionally hot it was out on the dance floor that night and I was perspiring profusely. I only had a few alcoholic cocktails and mostly drank copious amounts of water. I'm quite sure I could have borrowed some perfume in the washroom from one of the girls, but I didn't really care that night.

After a few hours of dancing up a storm, I took a break and went to the bar to get another drink. Eventually a gentleman struck up a conversation with me. He was really handsome and we had great rapport. As I lifted both arms to tie back my hair, I suddenly noticed how soaked my armpits were with the unmistaken scent of my sweat wafting in the air. I then noticed his eyes were fixated on the wet area.

I immediately got embarrassed and put both arms down. I apologized without giving any reason as to why and then excused myself to go "freshen up". Before I could walk away, he asked what I was apologizing about. I think he knew the reason but wanted me to say it for whatever reason. I briefly explained how I must smell awful and before I could finish the sentence, he piped up and told me how my natural scent was intoxicating to him. At first I though he was joking, but his voice and eyes were serious. I almost left but my curiosity got the better of me. I had read many articles how natural pheromones can create desire with the right person but have never encountered someone telling it to my face.

He must have read the question marks going through my mind as he went on to elaborate further. He next explained how he is never liked perfumes and the natural scent of a woman can either make or break his attraction level. Judging by his body language and voice, apparently my scent was working quite well. We ended up having a great conversation (not just about armpits, lol) and our mutual attraction grew. While I was tempted, I don't do one-night stands as a rule (nor did he make any suggestions to that matter) but I did give him my number at the end of the night.

Long story short, we dated several times. I always made sure to not wear any perfumes and that always drove him crazy (in a good way) especially when we worked up a sweat making love. I have since married that curious gentleman and his attraction to my natural scent has never changed.

So what say you ladies? Have you ever experienced any guy who preferred you go perfume-free? You can call it a fetish or whatever you like, but quite frankly, I had no idea how powerful a role it can play regarding attraction.

[atskitty2]

My ex-husband would comment on my smell.
I had a boyfriend once that had a scent that could really make me crazy. He was athletic and played several sports and I could never detect "body odor", but just the stronger scent of his skin. It was amazing.

My current man is similar tho' his scent is not strong at all, at least not to me. It's very subtle and I can only detect it when I really get close to him.

I'm not even sure that this is the chemical pheromones that are documented to be involved in attraction, but I think that chemical must be contained in the scent.

Even chemical pheromones are manufactured and sold for calming cats and other animals. Fun stuff.

[amy40]

never wore perfume as smells bother me
husband doesn't have a good sense of smell like I do
I'm always saying "do you smell that?" but he doesn't smell anything
I even stopped wearing deodorant because can't find my favorite one anywhere

[G-Wagon]

I had a guy who liked to lick my armpits when i didn't have deo on. He was also into the natural smell thing which i found weird at the time. Buy after a while i relished this part of him i will never forget him.

[jns]

These are common likings among men, and it confuses me because I love expensive strong perfumes. But how can I explain to a man that I have to give up my passion because of his preferences?

Welcome to WH Interactive Forums. I like a lot of expensive perfumes on women, so not all men dislike them. In fact, I find that the expensive ones have a better scent than the less expensive ones and that the scents lasts longer, too. I think that finding a man who has a nose for such scents should not be too hard.

[MrMr]

The smell of a body after working out is strangely attractive and not the smell of bo. I also love the smell and taste of a clean, but unwashed vagina

[G-Wagon]

The smell of a body after working out is strangely attractive and not the smell of bo. I also love the smell and taste of a clean, but unwashed vagina

Do you mean when one takes a bath today. Goes about their daily business and finally goes to bed. then wakes up the following day? Is that clean but unwashed for you.? Lol coz that's what an ex of mine liked.

[MrMr]

Do you mean when ones takes a bath today. Goes about their daily business and finally goes to bed. then wakes up the following day? Is that clean but unwashed for you.? Lol coz that's what an ex of mine liked.

Yea pretty much