Hiding My Secret Love for Fragrance —Anyone Else in the Same Boat?

I know there’s a similar post, but I’m curious: What do your family and friends really think about your love for fragrances?

My family constantly made insults about how I needed to artificially smell good and that I didn’t appreciate natural scents (like grass, rain, and dog crap). Now, I live in Japan, where wearing perfume is still somewhat unfamiliar culturally. Though it’s slowly changing, it's usually the more outgoing people who wear fragrance—never shy, introverted women like me.

I thought working in the flavor/fragrance industry would allow me to meet fellow enthusiasts, but that hasn’t been the case. My husband doesn’t even know about my secret passion. I own five bottles (mostly bought preloved from Mercari) and over 20 samples (oops!). I hide this hobby from everyone, including my husband. Instead of spraying directly on my skin or clothes, I spray on a cotton ball or pad and tuck it into my bra so only I can smell it. But sometimes it gets lonely not being able to share my enthusiasm, and the scents of my beloved fragrances never reach beyond arm’s length.

I’m really grateful for this community—it’s comforting to know there are others out there with the same interest!