They say the strongest sense tied to memories is scent and I completely agree. There are times when I'm at work that I'll catch a whiff of a scent I think belongs to a friend come to visit me, but when I turn or look up at its source it's someone I don't know. Ok so it's not perfect but scents do trigger memories. Just today I happened into the basement of my apartment building and for some reason it smelled very similar to what my grandparent's basement used to smell like, and it brought up some happy and some sad memories. Yes indeed, scent is very much linked with memories.
Sometimes though, I wonder why that is? Sure smell is a powerful sense but sight has to be right behind it right? I'm sure there is a scientific reason that smell is more linked to memory than sight. Perhaps there's a stronger connection in the brain b/w the two or maybe the place where memories are stored is next to the scent receptor area, or even maybe the little blue critters in our heads that keep things organized have big noses so that's their filing system. Mine are elephants.
No question that taste and touch are not as high ranking. I mean at least in terms of meeting people we don't lick each others' faces or hands though we could but I think the consequences of that would not always go as planned. Especially after seeing how many people leave a public restroom w/o washing their hands.....And as much as I like hugs I don't want to hug everyone I met. There are limits. Handshakes can only tell so much and only if it's an especially strong or weak handshake. Alas, poor hearing....you really got screwed with me. Having only one good ear does not lend to a very perceptive sense of hearing. It's not your fault right ear that your other half is defective. You do your best and I'm grateful for that.
It's kinda amazing how a scent can trigger a memory. However it works I find it fascinating.
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