Living with a Super-Smeller: Tales of an Extraordinary Sense of Smell

Seán Moncrieff, a well-known Irish radio presenter, once confessed that his sense of smell is abysmal. He simply can’t seem to recognize the different scents around him. However, there are people who possess a remarkable ability to identify even the slightest aroma in their surroundings. These individuals are known as ‘super-smellers.’ In this article, we explore the fascinating world of super-smellers, and share the story of one such person who has an exceptional sense of smell.


The person referred to as “Herself” possesses an exceptional sense of smell, possibly making her a “super-smeller” due to a heightened sensitivity to odors. In contrast, the author admits to having a poor sense of smell. Herself can detect the specific activity and location of smells, even if they have been cleaned up. The author describes the challenges of living with someone with a strong sense of smell, including the need for candles, open windows and closed doors. Herself’s olfactory senses are closely linked to her memory, as she can recall smells from her childhood. Despite her exceptional sense of smell, Herself struggled to rest after having her eyes lasered and was unable to do nothing, resulting in tension between the two. The author eventually negotiated a compromise, requested by Herself, for him to vacuum, as it provided her with a comforting sound. Overall, the content describes the challenges and unique experiences of living with someone who has a greatly heightened sense of smell.


In conclusion, Seán Moncrieff’s experience with anosmia has made him appreciate the value of other senses, particularly when it comes to the sense of smell. While his nose may be abysmal, he recognizes the superpower that some people possess with their exceptional sense of smell – including his wife, who is a super-smeller. Seán’s journey with anosmia has taught him to never take for granted the gifts we have, and to find joy in the simple pleasures of life. So the next time you catch a whiff of a fresh scent, take a moment to be grateful for your sense of smell – and for those who are blessed with superhuman olfactory powers.