Let’s talk vabbing, shall we? Yes, I mean that eyebrow-raising trend you might’ve heard about through a friend of a friend or perhaps stumbled upon in the corners of social media where daring meets, well, downright cheeky. For those blissfully unaware, vabbing is a blend of “vagina” and “dabbing.” Essentially, it’s the art of dabbing a bit of one’s natural essence — yes, there — onto one’s pulse points, hoping for a pheromone-fueled reaction from the opposite sex. Think of it as Mother Nature’s eau de toilette, if you will.

Now, before you dash off to Boots to see if it’s hit the shelves (spoiler: it hasn’t), let’s delve into what vabbing actually involves, whether it works, and, crucially, whether you want to try it.

Pheromones: Myth or Science?

The premise of vabbing rests on the idea of pheromones, those invisible chemical messengers that apparently make creatures go weak at the knees. Pheromones do, in fact, play a crucial role in animal attraction — ever watched your neighbour’s cat eyeing up another with just a sniff of the breeze? But here’s the kicker: science isn’t quite as certain about pheromones in humans. While we know they exist, we’re not exactly sure if they work on the same subconscious level for attraction as they do in animals.

Researchers have danced around the topic, but concrete proof that human pheromones alone make us fall in love, or even get a glint in the eye, is a tad sparse. Of course, this doesn’t stop the vabbing faithful. After all, it might not be science, but is love really that logical anyway?

Vabbing 101: How It’s Supposed to Work

Here’s the gist: the idea is to take a dab of your own “natural scent” and apply it to your pulse points — wrists, neck, behind the ears, wherever your heart beats a little harder. The logic is that as these areas give off a bit more heat, they’ll help waft your natural scent into the surrounding atmosphere. Imagine it like Chanel No.5 but with a “from-you, by-you” twist.

Some claim this is akin to setting a pheromone trap. You’ll catch a stranger’s attention on the Tube, or maybe leave your mark at the pub, and — voila — you’ve got them curious. Admittedly, it sounds like the type of thing that belongs in an ancient spellbook, but there’s no harm in a bit of curiosity, right?

The Psychology Behind Vabbing: A Bit of Confidence Potion?

Now, I’ll be honest with you: the science might be iffy, but there’s another factor in play here that could explain the success stories. Confidence. Vabbing isn’t just about a scent; it’s a bit of a thrill, isn’t it? The kind of daring decision that might add a bit of pep to your step. You might walk a little taller, stand a bit closer, smile a bit more — and that’s all before anyone’s caught a whiff of anything but your regular perfume.

And really, isn’t confidence one of the most attractive things about a person? Whether it’s the placebo effect or simply the thrill of a secret, vabbing could make you feel bolder. That, my friends, is something even science agrees can make heads turn.

The Dos and Don’ts of Vabbing Etiquette

If you’re going to give vabbing a whirl, there’s a bit of etiquette to keep in mind. You don’t want to end up the topic of office gossip or leave someone’s nose crinkling for the wrong reasons. Here’s my tongue-in-cheek guide to making sure your vabbing stays classy:

   •   Do keep it clean. Hygiene is non-negotiable. This isn’t a substitute for your favourite soap and water, and cleanliness is half the battle when it comes to first impressions.

   •   Don’t vab in public places. I mean, you wouldn’t reapply deodorant in the middle of the restaurant, would you? Let’s not be too forward, shall we?

   •   Do apply with subtlety. A dab will do. This isn’t the time for heavy-handedness. A little goes a long way (or at least that’s the theory), so keep it light.

   •   Don’t make it a topic of conversation on the first date. Let’s be real: some mysteries are better left unspoken. Vabbing is one of them. Like all good things, subtlety is key.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try Vabbing?

Is vabbing for everyone? Absolutely not. Some will find it fascinating, others a bit far-fetched, and some just plain bonkers. But, if you’re in the mood to try something adventurous, there’s no harm in having a go — with taste and tact, naturally. Worst-case scenario, it’ll be a quirky story for a glass of wine with your friends. Best-case scenario? Well, maybe there’s a bit of truth in the power of pheromones, and you’ll find yourself getting a bit of extra attention on your night out.

So go on, if you’re curious and game for a laugh, give it a try. If nothing else, you’ll have one more secret in your back pocket — or on your pulse points, as it were.