I Smell Sex and Candy

It was a little like this.

Smell is the sense linked most closely to memory.  You can be transported to a different time and place due to stimulation to your olfactory bulb. Perfume companies make bank on the fact that the sense of smell triggers memory and arousal.  These triggers can be highly emotional.  Smell is also of significant importance when it comes to attraction.  Pheromones are chemicals in the body that are secreted through sweat and other bodily fluids.  These are thought to bring about sexual excitement.  Everyone has their own distinct smell.  We are extremely attracted to some (NOTE: the sense of smell is often more influential than the sense of sight, thus the attraction to another's pheromones can take precedence over one's physical attraction), neutral to others and revolted by the rest. There are certain smells that will always take me back... dirty hippy (you know.. the smell of nag champa or patchouli mixed with the need for a shower, weed and possibly campfire), lilacs,  hops, fresh cut grass, spaghetti sauce, lavender baby lotion and Indian groceries to name a few.

Twice in the past week I have been sexually aroused by smells.  The first came while I was immersed in psychology articles while sipping a soy chai latte at my local coffee shop.  Suddenly there was this alluring aroma of hot sexy man.  It smelled like shower, coffee and "sure fuck" (a name BTO and I gave a particular men's cologne).  I did not want to look up... it might ruin it.  It wasn't ruined, but it was the classic example of the power of scent.  He was a perfectly acceptable man, probably not someone I would give a second look to normally but fine enough.  Combined with his personal smell though--I'll take it!  The second time happened just as unexpectedly.  I was lying on my bed in the early morning hours, trying to convince myself to get dressed and start the day.  The window was open and a fan was blowing.  I could smell my hemp shampoo and Tom's deodorant, there was the faint aroma of lingering weed.  I was suddenly transported 10 years in the past.  It made me feel young and sexy and desired... at least in that moment.  It made me want to braid my hair, buy a twelve pack and have a day long fuck fest with someone -- someone slutty.

xoxxx-

Julia is a sex enthusiast (talking about it, studying it, taking part in it!) with a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology focusing on sex work and sexual taboos.  She is currently working on a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy centering on sex and relationships.  She is a strong advocate for sexual freedom and equality.