There's a new way to meet potential suitors that doesn't involve engaging in awkward conversation. Scent is proving to be a more natural and intuitive way to find out if someone is a good match.
Pheromone parties are the newest dating phenomenon to hit our shores. Relying on biochemical compatibility to suggest good romantic matches, these parties cut through the fluff to get straight to the point.
The parties started out as an experimental matchmaking fest by a California woman weary of online dating, but it turns out they also have a root in science. Pheromones are the chemical triggers of sexual attraction in mammals and for many humans, they are the key to a perfect partner.
Greg Stewart caught a whiff of the new dating craze and decided to stick his nose in.
"Who would have thought that a dirty t-shirt could hold the secret to true love, but many people are attracted to another by scent, so this really does make sense" says Mr Stewart, who is organising Tauranga's first Pheromone Party on 13th December.
How a Pheromone Party Works
In order to participate, you must wear the same t-shirt to bed for three nights in a row. When you get up in the morning, seal the t-shirt in a bag and leave it in the freezer until you're ready to go to bed again.
On the night of the party, bring your pheromone infused t-shirt to the party for other participants to sniff as they unleash their animal instincts while they mix, mingle, and sniff.
All the T-shirts are numbered and colour coded - blue for boys and pink for girls. The singles are allowed to choose any T-shirt of their choice, based on the smell or fragrance they like the most.
After finding the right smell in a t-shirt, the selector may have their picture taken holding the bag with the scent they like, which is then displayed in a slide show on screens at the venue.
The rightful owner of the t-shirt, who is also a single and is looking for partner, can then see who is interested in their smell and nature should take its course from there.
At the end of the party all photos are displayed in an album in the Pheromone Parties NZ website, which provides an online matchmaking opportunity for those who might have missed seeing the photos of those who had selected their bag, in the slideshow on the night.
A Different Concept For Singles
A Pheromone Party is a marked contrast to the many online dating sites and speed dating parties, which demand countless information from singles and the confidence and ability to communicate and break the ice in a limited time-frame.
The most important thing about these parties, which are a tasteful and elegant social get together, is that they open up conversation in a natural, fun, friendly way.
Pheromone Partys NZ are holding their first soirée in Tauranga on Thursday December 13th. Tickets are $30 and singles get a complimentary glass of bubbles, appetizers, a raffle ticket and the chance to meet their perfect mate.
Can you sniff your way to love? Don't rule it out. All it takes is a dirty T-shirt and an open mind.
Go to Facebook for more info, or to register go to EventFinder.co.nz - keyword Pheromone.