Guess That Scent: A Fun Relationship-Building Activity

Guess That Scent: A Fun Relationship-Building Activity

The Power of Scent in Relationships

Smell is a powerful sense that connects deeply to our emotions and memories. Sharing scents with someone can help you learn more about each other, spark meaningful conversations, and create lasting memories. That’s why a “Guess That Scent” game is perfect for building stronger relationships—whether you’re with coworkers, friends, or on a date.

How to Play “Guess That Scent”

1. Gather a Variety of Scents:
   Collect several candles, essential oils, or scent samples. Choose a mix of popular scents like vanilla, lemon, cinnamon, and some unique ones like absinthe or woodsy blends.

2. Pair Up:
   Divide into pairs. Each person secretly picks a scent they think their partner will love.

3. The Guessing Game:
   One partner presents three scent options. The other tries to guess which one was chosen for them and explains why they think so.

4. Share and Reflect:
   After each round, talk about why you picked that scent. Did it remind you of a memory? Did you think your partner would enjoy something new or familiar?

5. Switch Roles:
   Let everyone have a turn picking and guessing. If you’re in a group, rotate pairs to get to know everyone better.

Why This Exercise Works

• Builds Empathy:
  Guessing a scent for someone else encourages you to think about their likes, memories, and personality.

• Sparks Conversation:
  Sharing stories about why you like certain scents helps people open up and connect.

• Creates Lasting Memories:
  Associating a scent with a fun experience makes it more meaningful and memorable.

• Works for Any Group:
  This activity is flexible! Use it for team building at work, a fun night with friends, or a creative date idea.

Tips for Success

• Choose scents that are not too strong or overwhelming.

• Encourage everyone to share their reasons and stories.

• Celebrate unique choices—there are no wrong answers!

Try “Guess That Scent” at your next gathering and see how a simple fragrance can bring people closer together!

References

Herz, R. S. (2016). The role of odor-evoked memory in psychological and physiological health. Brain Sciences, 6(3), 22. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci6030022

Morrin, M., & Ratneshwar, S. (2003). Does It Make Sense to Use Scents to Enhance Brand Memory? Journal of Marketing Research, 40(1), 10-25. https://doi.org/10.1509/jmkr.40.1.10.19128