This new dating trend is reconnecting couples—and it's all thanks to penguins.
If you ever find yourself in Antarctica, you’d likely happen across colonies of Gentoo penguins—living together in harmony. These charming birds aren’t just social, but they’re also incredibly romantic. Like many of their penguin relatives, Gentoo penguins are known to mate for life; they form deep and lasting bonds with their chosen partners. But what sets them apart is their heartwarming way of expressing their love: “pebbling.
During the breeding season, a male Gentoo penguin will methodically search for the smoothest, most perfect pebble he can find. He presents this pebble to his desired mate as a token of his affection. If she accepts, the pebble becomes the foundation of their nest, and symbolizes the beginning of their life together.
This beautiful ritual speaks to the deep connection between these birds, but it might not be limited to penguins. Interestingly, we humans also have our own versions of pebbling: simple, thoughtful gestures that we use to show our love and affection—sometimes without even realizing it.—with heaps of individuals fawning over the idea that, indeed, humans pebble, too.
Meme sharing, in particular, can be most likened to pebbling in today’s day and age. Instead of collecting twigs, berries, or pretty rocks, we share photos, TikToks, or funny tweets that we think our loved one would enjoy. It’s our very own modern, human way of saying, “I found this lovely thing, and I think I want you to have it.” A 2023found that meme sharing occurs frequently in close relationships and plays a meaningful role in spreading joy to those we care for.
This act of sharing is more than just passing along content; it’s a thoughtfully intentional way to connect, to show that we’re thinking of them and, hopefully, to bring a smile to their face. However, pebbling extends beyond funny memes and TikToks. In reality, it can manifest in our relationships in various other heartfelt ways:Sharing music, whether it’s a carefully curated playlist or an old-school mixtape, is a meticulous form of pebbling.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Skirt Over Pants Trend: How to Nail This Trend Like The Row for FallShop our favorite looks, right from the runway.
Read more »
Wild, pricey popsicles are the cool new trend in NYC fine diningFine-dining and popsicles might seem like an awkward union, but at trendy restaurants across the city, chefs are serving frozen desserts on a stick. “Everybody’s doing popsicles,” said …
Read more »
Hailey Bieber Puts a Casual Spin on the Glamorous '80s Jewelry Trend RevivalBorn and raised in Memphis, India Roby is a freelance journalist based in New York City. In 2021, India graduated from The New School with a Bachelor’s in Journalism + Design and a minor in Fashion Communication.India’s work at Marie Claire focuses on celebrity style, shopping, and cultural deep-dives on fashion trends.
Read more »
Spring 2025 Men’s Trend: Soft TailoringView photos of one of the biggest trends on the Spring 2025 Men's runways, soft tailoring, from brands like Giorgio Armani and Dior.
Read more »
TikTok chin strap trend: Medical experts reveal if it worksThe latest TikTok movement claims to be a marriage of the aesthetic and the health-conscious.
Read more »
Zoë Kravitz Dresses Down the Summer Paisley Trend With $650 Flip Flops by The RowHalie LeSavage is the senior fashion and beauty news editor at Marie Claire, where she assigns, edits, and writes stories for both sections. Halie is an expert on runway trends, celebrity style, emerging fashion and beauty brands, and shopping (naturally).
Read more »