I love the smell of my children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, I think because they have my genes, so they feel familiar, and I like to snuggle with them. I loved the smell of my ex-boyfriend, unless he'd been eating garlic and onions or spicy foods. I don't know if it had anything to do with the fact that he used the same cologne/scent as my dad.
I've been turned off by the smell other friends and possible romantic partners, so I keep my distance. Therefore, I think there is something to that smell of familiarity. I think it's also that when we're eating the same foods, there is an attraction to the odor of our companions. That's why eating together as a family or dining out makes a good date! If ordering similar options for the menu.
I loved the fact that my husband smelled different than me. I purposely made sure he used a different soap so that would continue.
I think that the personal cleaning products that we use affect our odor. That means, I don't understand how modern humans real odor can be sensed.
Are you suggesting that I'd do anything pheromone?
You tell me!
@skado
This, together with a sense of awe and majesty might account for my incipient, inchoate religious naturalism.