it is a common human experience to smell something but struggle to locate the source immediately. Our sense of smell can be quite sensitive, and odors can linger in the air or be carried by air currents, making it challenging to pinpoint their exact origin, especially if they are faint or transient.
The phenomenon of smelling something but finding the source later is not uncommon. It can happen with various scents, such as cooking odors, perfumes, cleaning products, or even unpleasant smells like rotting food or mildew. Sometimes, we might walk around the area or follow our nose until we discover the source of the smell. Other times, the smell might dissipate, making it even harder to identify its origin.
If you have experienced this before, rest assured that it's a normal occurrence and happens to many people. Our sense of smell is an essential sense, and it can help us become more aware of our environment and potential hazards.