Question:
Originally Posted by Indiscreet Interestingly, the good old English passtime of Morris dancing has its roots in a fertility rite. One part of the dance involves sticking a handkerchief under your arm and then waving it around. This, in fact, was originally to disperse the manly musk and thus attract a lady! I've heard about that, and it came to mind when I read this thread, thanks for bringing it up!
I think it's part of country dancing rituals in some other countries, too.

Answer:
I read an article in a scientific journal, which discussed the role of male pheremones as sexual attractants in a very specific way.
Evidently (this is the roughly recollected outline), the researchers collected a sample of men and a sample of women. The men each donned a nice fresh cotton t-shirt, and wore it for a day. The women then sniffed the t-shirts and identified those they found most attractive smelling.
When the results were examined, it was found that women's choices of most attractive scent belonged, overwhelmingly, to men who had little in common with them genetically, suggesting that not only are male pheremones supposed to attract, but to specificallly attract women in a way that stirs the gene pool and keeps it nice and broad.

Answer:
I prefer the natural smell of my man's skin hands down. (pun intended if you like)
I love how many here called the scent of their lover to be heaven. I think that is so aptly put.
furthermore, I love the way my children smell, and they often refer happily to "Mommy Smell" when we have our hugs and snuggles.
Viva La Nose!

Answer:
I will get on my 'soap box' here and in my opinion, BO in a public venue is not acceptable. Being unwashed is not an expression of individuality or an effective anti-estasblishment protest, it's just rude and lazy. I was at a fund raiser recently packed with aged hippies some of whom were living in the past as slovenly teenagers. PHEWEE!! I had to hold my breath, it was that bad. How can people stand themselves like that? I swear, some people don't ever wash their clothes either.
If people are afraid of dry skin, there are mild soaps and I wish men were not lotion-phobic. A great un-scented lotion I've found is Aveno. It's oatmeal based not lanolin so it isn't heavy and pore clogging. Highly recommened for after shower, before a fantastic cologne. I daresay no one is turned on by dry flakey scales. If you want to touch a SO, take care of your hands!