The Smell of Optimism

If optimism had a scent it would smell like a new car

 

If I had to create a perfume guaranteed to attract my husband it would smell like a new car. To be honest, the new car smell is one of my favorites too. I can’t explain why, except to say that the smell of a new car fills me with optimism.

 

 

I’m not sure how an abstract idea like optimism could have a smell. But put me behind the wheel of a brand new car, breathing in that smell, and suddenly the world is a big, exciting place to explore. Optimism reigns. Just turn the key (whoops, I’m dating myself here) – I mean, push the Start button – and watch good things happen.

 

New car vs. new car smell

One could argue my optimism stems from the fact that the vehicle is brand new rather than from the smell itself. After all, with a new car you can confidently explore the open road without fear of breaking down. You just gas up and go. No hill is too steep, no road is too bumpy. And you get great mileage.

 

Unless your co-pilot has a bladder the size of a walnut.

 

Then you get great mileage between rest stops. But your car interior smells terrific, so you’re not annoyed at the extra stops, the extra time spent in the cockpit. See the optimism at work here? It’s all about the smell.

 

An older car invites pessimism. It’s already weary from age, dead French fries and the wet dog towel you left in the trunk. And when your floor mats catch fire because the floorboards rotted through, the air freshener on the mirror surrenders in shame.

 

I would argue that “new car smell” beats “smoldering rubber” in inspiring optimism any day of the week.

 

 

If I could bottle that new car smell

I’d be interested in a perfumer’s opinion on the combination of fragrances that make up a new car smell. Leather is likely a strong note, since the smell of a shoe store boosts my optimism as much as a new car. There’s probably also an element of Armor All and a hint of Windex to underscore the clean vibe.

 

The rest, if you believe the pessimists, is a combination of volatile organic compounds that have a toxic half-life of 486 years.

 

But don’t fret.

 

The new car smell fades way before that.

 

 

What makes you feel especially optimistic? Share your comments below.

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