Divorce is one of the hardest experiences a human being can face, and too often must face alone. It is also the loss of a shared identity and the search for new meaning and perspective.
In hard times like these, it makes sense some turn to scent. Perfume can help us access and process our memory and emotions. It is also used in society to affirm and construct identity.
So as you navigate this period of change and self-discovery, perfume can be a powerful ally.
The right fragrance can provide comfort, boost confidence, explore new attitudes to living and ultimately help you prepare and embrace a fresh start. This guide will explore how to choose and use perfumes to support you during and after a divorce.
The Emotional Power of Perfume During Divorce
Comfort and Reassurance:
Familiar smells with an association to safety or comfort can help us feel strong. In harsh times, an affirming scent can help us feel grounded and stable.
Confidence and Empowerment:
A bold, powerful perfume can help you feel strong on good days and fake it convincingly on bad ones. As you navigate new social situations and personal challenges, it can also tell the universe that you refuse to be beaten down.
New Beginnings:
Choosing a new fragrance can symbolise a fresh start and safe starting point to explore new aspects of yourself. A fresh, uplifting scent can feel refreshing and stimulating, while inviting new people and experiences to help rebuild your support network.
Choosing the Right Fragrance for This Transition
Comforting and Soothing Scents:
Warm or cooling scents can help us physically regulate and distract from the noise in our brains. Consider synthetics over natural scents- with amber, aquatic or gourmand features.
Empowering and Confident Scents:
Pungent, aromatic and fresh cheery notes can be subtle for quiet confidence or intense for an assured and commanding effect. Consider amber, woody and Jasmine scents to help you feel strong and capable as you rebuild your life.
Fresh and Uplifting Scents:
Sharpness, spiciness and sweetness stand out in a crowd. Consider citrusy scents, or flowery notes like lavender for a cheery and inviting tone.
Incorporating Perfume into Your New Routine
Daily Rituals:
Make applying perfume a part of your daily self-care routine for low-stakes fun. The superficial things create a sense of normalcy and structure, when it feels like everything is falling apart.
Special Occasions:
Wear a special fragrance for significant milestones or new social events. If a perfume reminds you of your former spouse, this can help you make new memories.
Home Environment:
Use scented candles, diffusers, or room sprays to infuse your living space with comforting and uplifting aromas. This can make your home feel more inviting and supportive, particularly if you or your ex have recently moved out.
Perfume Shopping Tips for Post-Divorce Life
Experiment with New Scents:
Take this opportunity to explore new fragrances that resonate with your evolving identity. Visit perfume stores and try out different samples to find what you love.
Invest in Quality:
While managing a budget is important, consider investing in a high-quality perfume that makes you feel special and confident. This can be a much needed treat during a lonely and difficult time.
Personalised Fragrances:
Consider creating a custom fragrance that reflects your unique personality and journey, and where you’d like to go next. If divorce has affected your income quite badly, you can make tinctures by soaking your favourite kitchen herbs and spices in alcohol.
Practical Tips for Perfume Use
Proper Application:
Apply perfume to pulse points like your wrists, neck, and behind your ears. These areas emit heat, which helps diffuse the fragrance throughout the day.
Layering Scents:
Experiment with layering different scents to create a personalised and complex fragrance. You can combine scented body lotions, oils, and perfumes.
Storage:
Store your perfumes in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to preserve their quality and longevity.
Perfume and Home Décor
Scented Candles and Diffusers:
Enhance the ambiance of your living space with scented candles and diffusers. Choose fragrances that create a calming and uplifting environment.
Room Sprays:
Use room sprays to freshen up your home and create a pleasant atmosphere. This can help make your space feel more inviting and comfortable.
Fabric Fresheners:
Lightly spritz your curtains, pillows, and other fabrics with a fabric freshener or a diluted perfume solution to keep your home smelling delightful.
Conclusion
Divorce is a shitty fucking experience, even if (and I pray) it’s an amicable one.
Perfume (or swearing, fuck, fucking fuck!) can’t make it go away but it can help you crawl through the fucking process and rebuild from the fucking rivets.
Possibly seething, almost certainly sobbing but it can.
A perfume journey during divorce can help your rediscover old parts of yourself while exploring and expressing new ones.
Whether you’re establishing new routines, embracing social opportunities, or creating a peaceful home, let your perfume be a source of strength and inspiration as you move forward.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Get the entire perfume range of 6 handcrafted EDPs, from CELIE & COUCH. Free UK shipping.
Comments