Are ‘Pheromone Parties’ New Trend in Biological Matchmaking?
- Posted on April 16, 2012 at 5:36pm by
Liz Klimas
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First impressions often include nice eyes, a great laugh or a beautiful smile, but a relatively new dating technique could eliminate all physical and personality snap judgements and pair partners based on smell preferences.
It’s called a Pheromone Party. Participants are asked to wear the same shirt to bed — sans deodorant or perfume — for three nights. The shirts are placed in their own bag, then passed around at a party were the guests choose their date by most the attractive smell. If we’re basing this solely on pheromones though, the smell itself shouldn’t really make too much of a difference on preference and what participants would really be attracted to more subconsciously is a chemical being inhaled.
(Photo: The Pheromone Party)
(Photo: The Pheromone Party)
(Photo: The Pheromone Party)
Several articles have been swirling about the trend since the beginning of the year. The Daily reports founder Judith Prays, 25, as saying the parties are about romance, noting that “intellectual connection is not always the most important thing in a relationship.” Prays is clear to say these parties are more about “hooking up.” The Daily has a case-in-point example:
The most popular girl with gentlemen’s noses was Sara Nachlis, 25, whose shirt was chosen by nine different guys. “I guess I just smell pretty,” she explained, though she herself was far more discerning.
“I took my time and picked only one shirt,” said Nachlis. “This very handsome boy came up to me and told me that was his shirt. We started talking and I was attracted to him, but didn’t find him very interesting. I ended up making out with him at the party, and now I never want to talk to him again. There is an attraction that comes with pheromones, but it’s not what I’m looking to base a relationship on.”
There is some scientific backing behind the pheromone parties. Biologically, pheromones are chemical signals exhibited by many animals, including some mammals, that often are related to sexual attraction. Live Science reports though the science on human pheromones has yet to be confirmed to an extent, given that research has not yet pin-pointed that a chemical produced is responsible for a specific outcome with relation to another person:
“We can demonstrate the effects of what are putatively pheromones, but we haven’t been able to pin down the chemical identity and show this particular compound or small set of compounds are responsible for outcome A, B and C,” said Charles Wysocki, a behavioral neuroscientist at Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia [...].
Releaser pheromones trigger a behavioral response (such as wooing a mate), while so-called primer pheromones cause physiological changes.
[...]
But without any actual chemicals identified as pheromones, scientists can’t test effects on humans, so the jury is out as to whether we communicate via pheromones.
Earlier this year, The Daily recounted the 2010 party Prays threw to test the concept that had about 40 attendees. Of these, The Daily reported, 12 of the guests “hooked up” and of those half started relationships. This month, the KCRW radio station in Los Angeles reports artist Mya Stark, who had heard of Prays’s parties, threw a second smaller party in L.A. KCRW has more:
Mya Stark says she’s had her share of dating fails, and thinks people are looking for another way to meet. “We’re trying to match up with our other subcultures, which just seems like it can be a recipe for disaster,” Stark said. “I want to be surprised by looking at the picture of who I’m attracted to, and be like, ‘what? I would never!’ I’m sure I’m ignoring and neglecting so many awesome people.”
Scott Thrift, an artist who lives in Brooklyn, attended the first pheromone party, and met a woman there he dated for six months. He says the party’s a fun time, but it’s also a lesson in evolutionary biology. “I think that there is truth to this,” Thrift said. “We’re beasts, we’re human beings, were animals. And we do a really good job of convincing each other that we’re not. And this party really just puts it in your face, literally.”
Watch The Daily’s account of the April event (Warning: Some graphic language):
Here are some of the tips and considerations the Pheromone Party website gives participants:
- Minimize consumption of spices, garlic, and onions during the collection phase.
- Engage in hygiene but minimize use of fragrant products.
- Don’t shave your armpits.
- Don’t engage in intimate contact while wearing the shirt.
- Use a plain, white, cotton tshirt.
- Sleep in the shirt for at least 3 nights before the party.
- Put your shirt in the freezer when you wake up. Let it warm up before you put it back on. Store it in the freezer until the party.
Still, since her original 2010 party, Prays may be revising her stance on the parties in general, which seem to encourage the culture of “hooking up.” KCRW reports Prays saying she has recently become more observant of her Jewish faith, which has caused her to question the purpose of meeting people under these conditions.
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Comments (59)
edmundburk
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 10:07pmGiven the fact that some of these reletionships did’t go past 6 months, I’d say that this is just another passing fad.
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 7:54am.
What The Stupid?
Sniff a shirt? If you gonna go that trouble you might as well walk around and sniff each others butt…….
Report Post »I support God's Israel!
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 11:54amSpeak for yourself lady. We are NOT wild animals. WE ARE CIVILIZED, except for those down on Wall STreet or those who attend those brainless parties.
Report Post »tharpdevenport
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:17pmI’ll fake the smell on several shirts if it means getting that blond girl in the third picture.
Report Post »Texas Chris
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 8:38amI doubt you’d need to. She looks kinda skanky already…
Report Post »Wyatt's Torch
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:12pmThis would be an easy cheat.. for getting the chicks… leave a chocolate bar in your shirt bag overnight, duh. For dudes…I guess I’d be attracted to the smell of pork chops or something similar…plus it might also mean she could cook (which is much more important, cause looks are fleeting, but good home cooking…that is the real gift that keeps on giving).
Report Post »Buttercup
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:53pmI wonder if they know that oral contraceptives screw up those pheromones? Why do you think our divorce rate is so high? People are choosing the WRONG people to marry, or “hook up” with. They are incompatible from the beginning! Pheromones are God’s way to choose the right mate. God had this figured out a long time ago. It’s humans messing around with nature that mucked it up.
Report Post »Twobyfour
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 11:46pmRight. That is especially valid for women. They not only smell different when using oral contraceptives (a fish called Wanda), but also when in ovulation, they are attracted to a smells nearly completely opposite to ones when in other phases of the cycle.
Report Post »MormonsRWeird
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 2:22pmThat‘s very well the stupidest comment I think I’ve seen here! You’re just making **** up!
Report Post »lstevetaylor
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:49pmThese people are bored and most of them have VD, they like to smell someones manure odor in order to get to know them, they should all get jobs in cattle feed yards they would be a perfect FIT!!!!!!!
Report Post »soybomb315
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:27pmi think its great – a low key way to meet someone with no obligations.
i think they are on to something – the subconscious is a very powerful thing.
Report Post »LeadNotFollow
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:08pm…
Report Post »There‘s NO WAY I’m sniffing someone’s dirty laundry.
That’s just NASTY.
inblack
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 11:59pmAmen
Why do people want to lower themselves to the level of filthy animals?
Why does the Blaze want to lower itself to the level of leftist shock media?
Shame on the blaze.
Report Post »mdeputy7
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 8:53amShock media dude? They are reporting on what’s out there. This isn’t really all that “shocking.” It’s different, but I’m not shocked.
Report Post »Rational Man
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:03pmOthers can act like butt sniffing dogs if they want to.
Report Post »I think I‘ll follow God’s lead instead.
soybomb315
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:20pmi suppose you don’t consider a girl/women’s looks?
Report Post »Rational Man
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:11pm@soybomb315
Coming from an ignorant Paulistinian, focusing on the superficial doesn’t surprise me at all.
Report Post »Have another confused day there, PaulBearer………………
soybomb315
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 10:58pmway to avoid the question lefty
Report Post »MormonsRWeird
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 2:24pmI’d like to know the answer too!
So what’s “God’s way”? I don’t think I recall that part of the Bible.
Or maybe you’re just making **** up…which is very likely considering you’re in good company, with some of the other postings here.
Report Post »LolaB
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 7:54pmI am surprised they aren’t smelling each others undies.
Report Post »martyinhagerstown
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 7:50pmDear TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 6:28pm A fool and their money is soon parted…
The better expression is a fool and her legs are soon parted.
Report Post »Walkabout
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 7:48pmAttraction has many different elements. They are just going to concentrate on one variable?
Herd following people!
Report Post »sbenard
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 7:16pmProof that some humans aren’t the product of E-volution, but DE-volution!
Report Post »sbenard
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 7:09pmSome people behave like animals! Unbelievable!
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:45pmSBENARD
We are mammals, therefore we are animals. We as a species use our olfactory sense very little. Read again the INSTRUCTIONS given. There is nothing unsanitary about what is being done.
This type of experiment has been done for decades at the college level; both the biology and psychology departments. The only thing new is bringing this to the ‘hip’ fashion world.
There is relevance to this type of research. This is why there are so many scents in the cleaning aisle of your local grocery store, in the cleaning aisle.
Report Post »inblack
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 12:09am@STOIC ONE
Based on your silly reply you should have gone on to state your support for the scientific value of rape parties and poo throwing parties.
If you see no difference between animal behavior and civilized behavior you may want to read up on the topic.
Another progressive idea destine for the dung heap of history – after all the hipsters have given it a try.
Report Post »llotus
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 7:08pmLove at first sight is good…..but only when it is love at first for both. If not run……it will not work and you will learn that too far down the line.Lotus.
Report Post »AB5r
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 7:05pmThis actually may be a good way to meet someone. But the ick factor could prove too difficult to get past especially having to go through so many others who probably smell gross to you. In prior ages people smelled more, that is, they didn’t have a shower every day, deodorant and perfumes to the extent most have today, so to the extent this odor is a part of meeting suitable matches we are covering it over and instead focusing on looks (fake breasts) or other more superficial factors, and that could explain why more marriages fail.
Report Post »whatthecrazy
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 6:58pmOh well i guess the nose knows………………….
Report Post »hi
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 6:41pmI guess the occupierswon’t be getting any dates.
Report Post »FreedomPurveyor
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 6:34pmThis is likely one of the most absurd and ridiculous things I have ever seen. God help our civilization.
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 6:40pmGod helps those who help themselves. I would hardly help a child sitting their with thumb in mouth demanding me to tie their shoes when they make no effort. Instead I’d let him trip over his shoe-laces.
Report Post »AngelAuthor
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 6:57pmAgreed! This is one of the stupidest things I’ve ever seen!
Report Post »Rational Man
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:08pm@ Itsjusttim
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 6:40pm
God helps those who help themselves.
******************************************************************************************************
That is not Biblical. It is NOT in the Bible. Stop embarrassing Christians with your mindless rants, please.
Actually, the saying comes from Aesop’s Fables. The story goes like this: “A Wagoner was once driving a heavy load along a very muddy way. He came to a part of the road where the wheels sank half-way into the mire, and the more the horses pulled, the deeper sank the wheels. So the Wagoner threw down his whip, and knelt down and prayed to Hercules the Strong. ‘O Hercules, help me in this my hour of distress.” But Hercules appeared to him, and said: ‘Man, don’t sprawl there. Get up and put your shoulder to the wheel. The gods help them that help themselves.
If you worship Hercules, then please stop pretending to be a Christian!!!
Report Post »JJ Coolay
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 12:42amHe didn’t say it was in the bible.
Report Post »I happen to believe it‘s true though regardless that it’s not actually in the bible.
God is happy to bless those who are obedient to Him. In a roundabout way, that’s the same thing.
Teabunny
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 6:26pmwonderful…sounds great…sniffing someone’s three day old dirty clothes to see if i like him…hmmm. so, ….what if the really intelligent guy sweats a lot, and the skinny dope doesn’t? since I am going to dinner with the guy, not just his tee-shirt…. I don’t think this would work well for me. (and i am with you about the dog thing…just creepy!)
Report Post »Teabunny
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:36pm…boy, some people sure know how to party, huh?
Report Post »marcus_arealius
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 6:16pmMore like sweat gland secretions. Look it up. It is not know if humans secrete pheromones.. a gland has not been located or identified. I wish it were that simple.. now would I sell it or buy it? Hmm.
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 6:15pmYeah you see, back in the Day a father‘s best man at his own wedding would also know who is best fit to be that father’s son’s wife, a separate, yet respecting of the Father, and that best man witnessed the Father’s marriage to his own wife, and bared witness of true love. Therefore a preeminent force in knowing and recognizing true love between a son and his wife to be. Man you people are really lost.
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 6:28pmAnd then that “Best Man” (that’s why they are called Best Man), would know whether or not the wife will raise the new couples son up to the son whom is also a father. Well I’m sure that sounds drab to people, after-all, you just like laying around like animals.
Report Post »Paul
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 6:02pmReduced to animals…
Report Post »astrodog1959
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 5:55pmThat’s just STUPID !!!!!
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 5:53pmHuh, I always thought the best way to pick a wife for someone was to have your “Best man” find one. Call me old fashion.
Report Post »whatthecrazy
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 6:56pmNo but your thoughts on this are very Sharia because if you were American you would know we don’t have a habit of picking someones spouse for them.Which is the beauty of being FREE………………
Report Post »Rational Man
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:11pm“…..old fashion”…..is not what I call you. But I’ll let that slide,…for now………..
Report Post »Gourdy
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 5:51pmWhy not just go up and smell people of the street or on the train like dogs do to each other? It would save a lot of time.
Report Post »spirited
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 6:50pmBecause it’s so much more fun at a let-me-smell-you-in-a-bag party ?
Report Post »JohnQTaxpayer
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 5:49pmWhen do they crawl around on all fours sniffing each other’s butts?
For heaven sakes we are de-evolving into animals, where has dignity gone?
Report Post »Gourdy
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 6:19pmI think this is more about a new way to separate people from their money.
Report Post »TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 6:28pmA fool and their money is soon parted…
Report Post »krjones
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 8:18pmHey Pat! I know it was Ron Paul who started these right?
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