Bed rotting: The social media trend straining relationships
"Bed rotting," which means "rotting in bed," is a trend that has gained immense popularity on social media. A psychologist notes that such behaviour can negatively impact our close relationships.
Although it might initially seem harmless, it can lead to serious problems. By 2023, "bed rotting" had become incredibly popular on social media, especially on TikTok.
"Bed rotting" refers to spending an entire day or even a weekend lying in bed and being lazy. People rest, watch their favourite movies or series, nap, and eat during this time. Experts note that this behaviour can, unfortunately, have negative effects.
A threat to relationships
Initially, it may seem that lounging together brings partners closer, but long-term practice of this lifestyle leads to stagnation in the relationship. Psychologist Dr. Lalitaa Suglani warns that a lack of variety and new experiences can weaken the emotional bond between partners.
- What starts as a pleasant break can quickly turn into a habit that deprives the couple of excitement - states the expert, whose words are cited by the portal ladbible.com.
When a couple too often chooses passive time under the covers, the level of intimacy and engagement starts to decline. Intimacy is based on shared experiences and new activities that enrich relationships. When every day consists of just lying in bed together, the couple doesn't benefit from the energy that diverse activities provide.
"It won't relieve symptoms and may even worsen them"
As reported on zwierciadlo.pl, "bed rotting" should not be confused with a state that may signal the onset of depression. A state of discouragement and powerlessness is not equivalent to a day of lounging.
"The important difference is that in the first case, you stay in bed because you want to, because you decided so, and you simply feel like it. The second situation can result from mental health challenges and not a choice. If something is not a choice, it cannot be an act of self-care" - as per zwierciadlo.pl.
As noted later in the article, people diagnosed with clinical depression, as well as those experiencing anxiety, may see "bed rotting" as an ideal solution that doesn't require much energy.
"In such a situation, however, bed rotting won't relieve symptoms and may even worsen them" - we read on the portal.
