The short answer is: no, couples don't inherently start smelling the same due to proximity. Body odor originates internally, from sweat and other bodily processes. Simple prolonged closeness doesn't alter this.
Factors Influencing Perceived Similarity in Smell
While couples may seem to smell alike, this is primarily due to shared lifestyle choices and habits, not a physiological change:
- Shared laundry: Washing clothes together can lead to similar scents from detergents and fabric softeners.
- Similar perfumes/colognes: Using the same fragrances creates a shared scent profile.
- Similar diets: Dietary choices can impact body odor, and couples who eat similarly may exhibit comparable smells.
- Shared living space: Environmental smells from the home, like cleaning products or pets, can linger on clothing and skin.
One Quora user mentioned noticing a similarity in smell with their partner after several months, but this is likely attributable to the above factors, not a biological merging of odors. (https://www.quora.com/Why-do-couples-start-smelling-like-each-other-after-being-together-for-a-while) A reference explicitly states that the only way a couple might smell similar is through shared clothing and perfumes. (Source: "The only way that a couple would truly start smelling sort of the same is if their clothes are washed together and they wear the same perfume." 13-Jan-2020)
It's crucial to distinguish between individual body odor and environmental or shared scents. The perception of couples smelling alike is usually a result of shared habits and lifestyle choices, not a biological phenomenon.
