MY ANOSMATIC LIFE

It’s pretty shocking to hear that someone is an Anosmic (unable to smell). I get it. Like, it is a sense that we don’t often think about living without. But there are just some things you should not say in response to finding out. There are also a few things I’d love to stop hearing from people who are well aware of my life with this disorder.

So, here’s what you shouldn’t say to an Anosmic:

1. You’re lucky.

   The heck if I am. This is by far, the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard, and hear way too much. I most often hear “You’re lucky you can’t smell ____,”, especially when something stinks (e.g. garbage, fart, food, etc.). What?! Would you tell a blind or deaf person that they’re lucky that they can’t see or hear anything? I bet you wouldn’t dare. There is nothing lucky about lacking any of the five senses. Four years ago, I couldn’t even smell a gas leak in my past apartment. That’s scary, not lucky.

2.  You still can’t smell?

   This is a major killer. It’s actually the most annoying. By far, the worst conversation starter. I hear it all the time and it drives me nuts. You will know when I can smell. I’ll compliment your scent. Tell you if your breath stinks. Say that something smells good or stinks. Trust me, YOU WILL KNOW. No one is more anxious to smell than I am. I’ve even been asked right after I say “I can’t smell”… Really. If I say that I can’t smell, why would you ask it right back? Stop it.

3. That sucks.

   Tell me about it! Of course, it does. I’m fully aware of how much it sucks because I have been living this life EVERY DAY for the past 10 years. There is no need to state the obvious. Keep that thought to yourself. Please and thanks. It’s an unwanted reminder.

4.  I feel sorry for you.  

   No one feels more sorry than myself. I hear “sorry” a lot. Guess that’s the natural thing to say. Years ago, I remember a colleague looking me dead in my eyes right after I put excessive salt all over my food and he said, “You know, I feel sorry for you.” It almost ruined my appetite. Last time I checked, I’ve never worn anything that reads “Please have pity on me.”  Spare me.

5. You’re kidding LOL. 

   Seriously, I kid you not. Someone really laughed at me and asked if I was kidding when I mentioned that I couldn’t smell. The person thought I was joking. It caught me off guard, to say the least. Now, who the heck would joke about not smelling? Anosmia isn’t well-known, but geez, it’s not funny either. I’ll never forget that person…ever. Unless I’m telling a joke about an experience I had, there is NOTHING funny about being an Anosmic.

Unfortunately, I hear #1, #2, and #3 ALL the time. Tip: Be mindful of my feelings and others and try not to say them.  If you’re unsure about what to say, a simple I’ll pray for you or I hope you get your sense of smell back soon will do. Maybe even ask some questions other than #2.  I’ve already answered a couple here.