Boyfriend's Cologne: A Smelly Superstition Or Just Bad Luck?

In some cultures, it is considered bad luck to buy your partner cologne or perfume. In Indian culture, it is believed that giving perfume is bad luck. In Chinese tradition, it is believed that gifting perfume can cause a breakup by attracting other people. Similarly, in Thailand, it is believed that giving perfume to your partner could lessen your love over time, like the scent of the perfume that fades away. However, these are just superstitions, and there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.

Is it bad luck to buy your boyfriend cologne according to different cultures?

Gifting cologne or perfume is considered bad luck in several cultures. According to Indian superstition, gifting perfume is bad luck, and it is believed that giving cologne or perfume can cause a breakup by attracting other people. Similarly, in Thailand, it is believed that giving perfume to a partner could make their love lessen like the scent of the perfume that fades away over time.

On the other hand, in Greek culture, it is customary for the recipient of cologne or perfume to give a coin in return to ward off bad luck. This practice is believed to prevent evil from following the two individuals and threatening their relationship.

In contrast, some cultures view gifting cologne or perfume as a positive gesture. For example, in ancient Greece, perfume was considered a gift of the gods and was commonly worn by both men and women. It was seen as a positive omen for marriage and childbirth.

Overall, the superstitions surrounding gifting cologne or perfume vary across different cultures, with some considering it bad luck while others view it as a sign of affection.

What are some alternatives to cologne?

While cologne is a great way to smell good and feel confident, there are many alternatives to it.

If you are looking for a natural alternative, there are many natural colognes available that are free from harmful chemicals and synthetic ingredients. These natural colognes contain more plant-based ingredients and essential oils, which are easy for the body to absorb. They also tend to be cruelty-free and vegan. Some examples include Clean Classic Cool Cotton, Malin + Goetz Cannabis Perfume Oil, Scotch Porter The Porter House Cologne, and Duke Canon Solid Cologne Bourbon.

If you are looking for an alternative due to fragrance allergies, there are also hypoallergenic colognes and perfumes that do not contain common allergy-causing chemicals. Additionally, there are all-natural perfumes that are made from plants or their oils and typically do not affect those with allergies.

Some other alternatives to cologne include perfume oils, which are gaining in popularity, and traditional Eau de Colognes, which are simple and understated.

What are the potential risks of buying cologne for your boyfriend?

While buying cologne for your boyfriend may seem like a good idea, there are some potential risks to consider. Here are some reasons why buying cologne for your boyfriend may not be the best idea:

• In some cultures, it is considered bad luck to gift perfume to a partner. For example, in Indian superstition, giving perfume is believed to bring bad luck. Similarly, the Greeks believe that the receiver will give coins to the giver to ward off bad luck.
• If your boyfriend has a particular scent that he always wears, buying him a different cologne may be seen as trying to change him or impose your preferences on him.
• If your boyfriend is sensitive to strong scents or has allergies, buying the wrong type of cologne could be problematic and may even cause health issues.
• If you choose a cologne that your boyfriend dislikes, it could be a waste of money and may even be seen as a thoughtless gift.
• If you are not sure about your boyfriend's taste in cologne, it might be better to let him choose his own scent. Involving him in the process could even be a fun activity for both of you.

So, while buying cologne for your boyfriend may seem like a nice gesture, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and consider all factors before making a purchase.

What are some tips for choosing a cologne?

While it is not necessarily bad luck to buy your boyfriend cologne, it is important to know how to choose and apply the right cologne. Here are some tips for choosing a cologne:

• Do your research: Before you head to the store, use the fragrance colour wheel and any previous knowledge of scents you might have to determine which scents might appeal to you. You can also use Google to search for fragrances that include these scents.
• Test colognes: Use cologne testers or scent blotters to initially test fragrances. Spray two or three times in a downward motion onto the blotter. Once you have narrowed it down to two to four fragrances, spray one cologne type on each wrist. If testing more than two, spray onto your inner elbows as well.
• Give the scent time to develop: Walk around the store or do something else for 30 minutes. Once the scent has had a chance to mix with the oils on your skin, give them each another sniff.
• Re-apply if needed: Depending on the type of cologne you buy, you may need to re-apply, especially if you are going out in the evening. When doing so, simply dab a little onto your pulse points.
• Know the difference: Fragrance is a unisex, generic term used for perfume. It comes in many forms and is called different names but generally falls into these categories: Eau Fraiche, Cologne (Eau de Cologne), Toilette (Eau de Toilette), Perfume (Eau de Parfum), and Parfum.
• Understand the fragrance lifecycle: Fragrances have a three-part life cycle; top notes, medium notes, and base notes. Top notes are the initial, lighter smell of the fragrance that hits the nose immediately after application to the skin and last from 15 minutes to two hours. Medium notes are the "heart" of the fragrance and develop after the top note clears, lasting three to five hours. Base notes are the last to develop and are often the bolder notes that become more noticeable later in the day, lasting five to ten hours.
• Know the two types of fragrances: Designer fragrances are what you will see in most stores and are made by companies like Armani, Chanel, and Burberry. Niche fragrances are made from more expensive/higher-quality ingredients and are created by industry artists for a more selective customer.
• Know the pricing: More money does not necessarily mean a better fragrance. One of the biggest drivers of price is the amount of perfume oil concentrate a fragrance contains. Often, what you end up paying for is the marketing cost and the image associated with a brand.

What are some other gifts to avoid giving your boyfriend?

Gifting is a thoughtful gesture, but some gifts are best avoided. Here are some gifts you may want to steer clear of when buying for your boyfriend:

• Shoes: In some cultures, it is believed that gifting shoes will cause the couple to break up as shoes come in pairs, and the couple may end up going their separate ways.
• Black clothing: In Thai culture, black is considered the colour of pain and sadness, used mainly for mourning. Gifting black clothing may symbolise impending doom and sadness in your relationship.
• Watches or clocks: In many cultures, it is believed that gifting a watch or clock signifies that your time together may run out, leading to a potential breakup.
• Perfumes or colognes: In some cultures, it is believed that gifting perfumes or colognes may cause your love to lessen over time, just like the scent of the perfume fades.
• Handkerchiefs: In Thai culture, handkerchiefs are believed to be used for wiping tears. Gifting a handkerchief may symbolise that your partner will shed many tears in the future.
• Sharp objects: Gifting sharp objects is believed to bring bad luck and danger to the receiver in many cultures.
• Combs: In Thai culture, relationships are compared to the teeth of a comb, and you wouldn't want to drift apart like the teeth of a comb.
• Glassware: Gifting glassware is believed to bring bad luck in some cultures, as breaking the glassware may symbolise the destruction of your relationship.

Instead of these gifts, you could consider something more thoughtful and personalised, like a custom cartoon portrait, a personalised guitar pick holder, or an experience-based gift such as a coffee-tasting class or an adventure challenge journal.

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