Do you recall where you were the first time that you smelled Old Spice? You might be wondering how or why this is important. It is not. Every now and then I recall something that makes me laugh or smile, and I like to share.
The first time I encountered Old Spice, I had no idea what it was. It was back when I worked in a restaurant. The manager there was not too far from me in age, and he was the dreamboat of the establishment. I don’t think there was a single girl who worked with him and didn't have a crush on him at some point. For the sake of everyone’s dignity, I won’t use his name. Let us refer to him as McDreamy.
McDreamy was a handsome fellow. He had rugged good looks, without looking like a lumberjack. He had a well-built physique without looking like an uncomfortable statue. He had seriously beautiful eyes - the kind you want to look into for hours at a time. He had just the right amount of southern charm, and a deep-voiced accent to match. Last but not least, he smelled amazing.
I consider myself to be a level-headed person, but I was not immune to McDreamy’s brand of magnetism, and the fragrance that followed him made me feel as close as I have ever felt to intoxication - I felt not quite drunk, but maybe just a little buzzed. He moved with the stride of a cowboy, and he was constantly offering to lend a hand. He would spare me a trip to the back for a step stool by taking boxes down for me. Every time he would lift his strong arm, the motion seemed to activate that incredible fragrance that he wore like a natural essence. He would lift heavy things for me, hold doors, deal with terrible customers on my behalf, all the while smelling like heaven.
His fragrance remained a mystery to me for the longest time, until one day I smelled it in my own home. Why did my brother smell exactly like my crush? (Cue whistle) Alas, it was Old Spice. Now I had a look behind the curtain. I also understood all the fuss in the commercials. The smell of Old Spice was unequivocally the smell of a man.
I’m older now - a little wiser. I have come to learn that Old Spice is not for everyone, although I still stand by that intoxicating fragrance that McDreamy wore. In fact, speaking from a more or less scientific point of view, I have a lot of respect for the product. I recently ran out of my deodorant and borrowed my brother’s. It was a little unsettling to smell so manly. With every move I made I could smell it more - like the product is actually motion-activated. What is this magic? I don’t know, but I like it.
I am not being paid to endorse this product. Yet.