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It’s 2024 And We’re Taking Dating Cues From Penguins Now

Have you heard of ‘Pebbling’, a dating theory inspired by penguins that has been creating a buzz on the Internet?

June 13, 2024 | 7:22 AM // By Salva Mubarak
Penguins

With a new dating term being birthed on the Internet faster than you can say “go outside and touch the grass”, it’s no surprise that we have another one in our midst. This time it has been inspired by penguins. Gentoo penguins of the Antarctic, to be precise.

In case you didn’t know, penguins tend to gift their mates, or crushes who could be potential mates, pebbles to express affection and to let them know they care. This is why the wholesome new dating theory is called ‘Pebbling’.

What is ‘Pebbling’?

You know how while scrolling mindlessly through the Reels on Instagram you’d come across something that makes you expel breath in an almost-chuckle-like fashion? It might even make you think of your partner or crush who would also have a similar reaction to it and you share it with them. Relationship theorists on the Internet (so you know it’s the real deal), have likened this act to how penguins present their mates with pebbles, something they have no real use of, to show affection.

Woman texting on phone
Image credit: Pexels

According to the Internet, sharing something that you might think the other person might like or letting them know that you’re thinking of them is a new form of love language. It’s a form of connecting with people and can deepen your bond. Just like how some (not all) penguins go on to mate for life, ‘pebbling’ your way to someone’s heart through relatable memes and Reels might do the same.

What do you think?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Salva Mubarak is the Digital Editor of Manifest. In her free time, she likes to read murder mysteries, discover new KitKat flavours, and rank movie makeovers (not necessarily in that order). View Profile