Why I Would Rather Keep My Sense of Smell Than Taste

When it comes to the sense of taste, it seems like a blessing at first. However, for me, the reality is quite different. Every single thing I taste already tastes terrible, and there's nothing I enjoy in life. I simply cannot bear spicy food. Losing my sense of taste might very well be a relief. But my sense of smell is incredibly important, and I would never consider giving it up.

My sense of smell plays a significant role in my daily life. It helps me determine the whereabouts of objects, identifies safe food from potentially poisoned food, and even warns me of dangers, such as fire. When my eyes are covered or my glasses are off, my sense of smell becomes even more crucial. Without it, it would be much harder for me to navigate and stay safe.

I’ve always been blind, but I’ve never sought to regain my vision in exchange for my sense of smell or taste. My condition was born with me, and even though it has its challenges, it is not something I am willing to give up. For instance, I lack the ability to smell, which affects how I experience certain foods. Due to this lack of smell, fruits are often too sweet for me to enjoy, and I have to rely on milk or water to balance it out. I also cannot detect fires easily, despite my profession in a restaurant, where such an ability would be crucial. On the bright side, I have a strong love for all kinds of vegetables. My olfactory deficit may limit my appreciation of flowers and the nuanced flavors of certain foods, but I am unique in this aspect, as only 3 out of a billion people are born without a sense of smell.

Considering my past experiences, the alteration in my smell sense might have made me more sensitive to sweetness, but it does not overshadow the importance of the sense. I have had to endure the loss of my sense of smell due to an accident when I was a child, where chemicals further harmed my nose. Thankfully, it has only weakened my sense of smell, allowing me to still appreciate my admittedly poor vision.

If I were to lose either taste or smell, I would rather keep my smell. At least with taste, I might still be able to experience joy through sweets, even if it means consuming them with milk or water. However, without the ability to smell, I would lose the danger detection system that is so vital for my safety and independence. Since childhood, I have lived without the ability to taste and smell. The consequences of this loss are real, and I have faced several close encounters with fire that could have been disastrous if others hadn’t alerted me.

In conclusion, while both senses are important, the sense of smell is no less essential to me than vision. Its loss would cripple my ability to protect myself and navigate the world. Therefore, I would rather hold on to my sense of smell, even if it means enduring the challenges that come with it.