As far as terminology, "allergy" generally means an immune/histamine reaction. Food intolerances are not called allergies, no matter how severe the consequences for the digestive system, and migraines and MCS are neurological, so also not allergies. So the distinction is not between allergies and preferences, but between things that reliably cause someone (potentially severe) physical symptoms, no matter how much they might like the taste or smell of them, and things that don't. A rather run-of-the-mill migraine can be a more painful experience than some people have experienced in their entire lives. So I would definitely not take guesses about how badly a substance is really going to affect someone else's body, whether they call it an allergy, sensitivity, intolerance, or something else!
@frankparker9 you mean like how I have an allergy towards chewy candies like starbursts (especially the red ones), but I still eat them because they're so yummy? 😆
@frankparker9 Your point is well-made. Before I became a person with a wonky body with unusual reactions to some chemicals, odors and even the cinnamon derivative in Crest toothpaste I was not sure how seriously to take people who claimed to have these uncommon problems. Regardless of how you term them, all I know is some chemicals carried on the air can really make it hard for me to breathe, think and function. It is hard to get people to take me seriously. Sometimes I just stay home; it's so much easier
@ubergigglefritz @achetocuddle
I often wear perfume to my sessions; however, I wear good quality perfume, and I do not wear heavy amounts of it, just one spray on either side of my neck and sometimes one on my chest. I prefer more subtle, floral scents that are not strong or overpowering, and so far, I have not had any complaints about my smell. I regularly get complimented on how I smell and requests to wear the same perfume again. I alternate between Chanel Chance, Amazing Grace by Philosophy, Miss Dior, and Tiffany & Love. I believe that many fragrance intolerances have more to do with others having poor taste in fragrance or the over-application of it.
@xandriarain "I believe that many fragrance intolerances have more to do with others having poor taste in fragrance or the over-application of it." What is "poor taste"? All instances of my having issues in cuddle sessions, it's not like they walk in and I'm like "woah" or "yuck". I think they smell nice at first, but then later when I'm nuzzled up close, my throat starts getting irritated, I start coughing mildly (and then I feel self-conscious about appearing sick, lol), etc.
I would also caution the "have not had any complaints" support for a conclusion. I would be surprised if anyone offered that sort of feedback to you. I have heard it from people coming to me talking about other cuddlers, and I know there are things about me people are less enthusiastic about which they don't tell me. In this environment, people are just less likely to offer negative feedback or constructive criticism. Just the nature of cuddling and typical cuddle clients.
I love, love, love the world of fragrance - perfume, lotion, shampoos, etc...
Fragrance adds such a wonderful dimension to the cuddle experience for me. It gives me another important sensory stimulus to muse on and to feel my partner's identity and personality at work. Also, as I make my own fragrances, and make fragrances for others (often times cuddle partners) - it's an outlet for creativity and artistic expression. It helps imprint the message of cuddling moments and secures more for me to carry away. It deepens the offering. It adds a note of preparation that is so reassuring to me...It helps me feel like I'm coming into a prepared experience, not a random encounter. It creates a sense of (oftentimes "special") occasion, and helps to ground me in the presence of the moment...
Cuddling is a sensory experience, and I deeply enjoy cuddling with partners who are vulnerable enough to being directly enjoyed and affirmed for successful appeal to the senses - and the sense of smell is at times as significant to me as sight and touch. I often ask questions upfront about if my partner has a favorite perfume for cuddling scenarios, and love to help others find a signature scent based on personality, style and the central message she would want to communicate to her partner.
@ubergigglefritz I acknowledge that fragrance intolerance is real for some people but I’m just saying I know for many, I think it’s the overpowering scent, or cheap air freshener smell that makes people feel sick. I remember once years ago I had an Uber driver who had a really overpowering car freshener and I could barely breathe. Most people who have allergies to perfumes and stuff will say so ahead of time so I know not to wear anything before the session. I also do a consultation call to check in about these kinds of things.
@xandriarain thanks for your compassionate response. Definitely. I was in a similar Uber car. It was awful. 🤢