Embrace your limits

I can barely feel smells. I do feel some strong smells, like gas, but otherwise I basically lack the ability to smell.

This can be slightly problematic at times. For example, when I have to assess a perfume, I cannot rely on my smell. I have to use other tactics: I look at the package and I ask the sales person for various clues. For example, I pick a perfume I have some previous knowledge of, and I ask control questions just to see if I can actually trust the taste of the sales person in front of me. I ask questions like "is it fruity?" or "is it mild?". If the test is passed successfully, I continue asking questions about the actual items I am interested in. Occasionally, I might ask other triangulating questions just to make sure. This strategy is perhaps more costly overall, but it is better than relying on my own abilities. And it actually works.

When assessing a problem, you always deal with situations that are beyond your immediate expertise. Know your limitations, accept the consequences and prepare alternative routes.