I never realised how bad people smell.

[Nonplusultra]

I’ve had a weirdly sharp sense of smell for the last couple of days and when I’m out shopping, I can smell everyone around me and it’s surprising how few people smell nice or even clean.

I’m not talking about properly stinking - just that mild fug of cooking smells, pets, smoke, sweat, occasional halitosis.

I don’t normally notice, and of course, even now, I’m oblivious to my own pong. I’m not even getting up close to people; this is just the drift of air as you walk past someone who’s a couple of feet away.

I dont really notice smells but I hate the smells of cigarettes, vapes, dirty dog and that sort of clingy smell of alcohol or curry. 🤢

Back in the 70s when one bath a week was standard everyone smoked so the stink of stale fags covered everything.

Could smell-judgy people perhaps wear a badge so that the rest of us can avoid them? That way, problem solved.

This is interesting as I got on the train last night and thought the same. When was the last time some of these people washed or aired their clothes, washed their hair etc.
This is a commuter train. Agree damp weather can make it worse but it wasn’t great.

‘Fug’ is such a good word

I’d heard it said that people from countries that don’t eat much dairy say we all smell of off milk.

I can confirm it’s true. After just two weeks in Japan the smell of stale milk on everyone when we got home was really noticeable.

Yep. Doesn’t much bother me much but UK isn’t the best for hygiene. Too much covering up with chemical smells too.
When I have travelled I noticed people in other cultures have such different scents. Oil, spices or fruits. I believe westerners have a reputation for smelling of cheese to other cultures!
I have always thought smell is more important than we give credit to. The men I have fallen for had a smell that was just so attractive.

But they'll still sniff and frown at each other.

Agree with pp who said about smell of weed. It's so strong round here! That turns my stomach

I agree with this. I have dated men in the past where they had attractive natural smell, and to be attracted to someone on a biochemical level was something else. I have also dated men who were heavy meat eaters and the smell coming from their bodies were horrendous, and off putting.

On the plus side it must cover a multitude of sins as I don't often notice all the other things people are offended by!

I don't usually notice smells from people but years ago I was in a supermarket and there was that overpowering smell you get when someone has eaten a lot of garlic. It was a woman quite close to me at the chilled section. It was really horrible.

I physically moved away and it wasn't just me, several people seemed to be noticing and one man even remarked about the smell to the woman with him.

The culprit seemed oblivious though ... 🙄

That's more of what I'm smelling. People can't afford to put radiators on or use a drier so it's inevitable I think. It's been so wet outside so no line washing.

They don’t smoke anymore, used to just be cigarette smell.

Yes. Keeping clean and hygienic cam feel like a bit of a luxury at the moment with costs of things.

I think it's easy to pick up cooking smells. I went for a meal out last week in a very small restaurant. Everything I wore reeked afterwards and had to go in the wash (except for my big coat.....I think it smells ok...).

I am out and about all day on public transport and with people.
Most people make an effort but many do smell. BO, food, damp, unwashedness, unwashed hands after toilet, bad breath, greasy hair.
I don't judge as see so many on hard times, it is an effort to keep clean and self care when depressed/in pain/mental health issues etc, I take a lot of effort to not smell (always spraying myself and washing clothes alot, even coat) and a lot don't even think of it, they just try to get through the day. Then it's self fulfilling as it might help them feel better to be clean.
I am in public toilets a lot and many still don't wash hands.

And yes cigarette smells

People who eat garlic don't notice it on others, I think. I eat plenty and I don't ever notice it on others, even after giving up smoking. I wonder what constitutes 'a lot' of garlic considering it's 2023 and not 1923?

That was my first thought.

I don't judge. I just have super-enhanced smell since the age of about 50 odd. The only time I care is if it triggers a migraine, and that's not body smells, it's artificial scents and most people smell of those.

But other people will complain about the smell of your fabric conditioner and perfume !

Very hard to smell of nothing at all !

Possibly wash hair and body daily in fragrance free plus clean clothes washed in fragrance free ?

Oh god @Pluvia you made me laugh with your perfume should whisper comment! Who died and made you Eau de Parfum police 😂

Give over about what, @WindyHarbour?

@WindyHarbour seems to think I’m being daft by implying the cost of living has something to do with it. If anyone genuinely thinks people haven’t been struggling to pay their bills or manage with increased energy prices they’re in a very privileged place indeed. I am in a number of cost of living / food bank type support groups trying to help people and I can absolutely confirm it’s had an impact on how people wash, dry their clothes (or not) and how much they spend on hygiene products. It’s a real issue.