Coping with a big loss, like losing someone dear, is a slow journey. It can take years to heal from the emotional wounds. Some might call it coincidence, while others think that maybe, just maybe, we humans have an instinct that whispers when our time is near.

When we lose someone, we often find ourselves wondering about their final moments. But here’s a fascinating twist: when a person passes, their body starts to break down, and it gives off this nasty smell called putrescine. Recent research shows that even though we might not realize it, we can actually smell this unpleasant odor.

It gets even more interesting when we react to it. Our reactions aren’t always conscious – it’s like our body’s own fight-or-flight mode kicking in. Surprisingly, animals and us have this in common. Think about when you’re facing a threat, and your instinct is to either face it or get the heck out of there – it’s a bit like that.

Other studies even found that we react strongly when we catch a whiff of someone else’s sweat. Weird, right? But that’s not all; our feelings and preferences can also be influenced by the way people smell, and we’re not even aware of it.

That stinky smell, putrescine, makes us more alert and wary of our surroundings. We generally steer clear of any conflict, preferring to keep our distance until there’s no other option.

So, this smell acts as a kind of warning sign. But here’s the twist: it’s the total opposite of the fragrances we might release to attract a potential partner. Those sweet, romantic scents are like, “Hey, come closer!” Putrescine says, “Stay away!” It’s all a bit peculiar, isn’t it?

Unconsciously picking up on these signals shows how humans and animals are more connected than we might think, even when we’re dealing with life’s toughest moments.