Name: Pebbles.
Age: Gentoo penguins did it pre-social media.
Life went on Does the earth even exist then? And do what exactly? Wiggle? Tremble? Pebbles!
What is? A penguin will pick up a pebble in its beak and carry it to its mate.
Why? Well, for a few reasons. First, it can help build their nest (penguins often live in places where more traditional nest building materials, such as twigs, are not available). But it also serves as a gift that recognizes the relationship between them.
I saw this pebble and thought of you? Exactly!
Because you have a heart of stone. No!
I’m guessing we’re not just talking about penguins here? Correct. People have been observed exhibiting similar behavior.
To take rocks in each other’s mouths? Not necessarily stones. It’s about sending your partner a gift to brighten their day and let them know you’re thinking of them.
Flowers then? Chocolate? It could be, but these days it’s more likely to be via social media – a photo, a small video clip, possibly with a caption.
a meme! We’re talking memesright? Right. “I think it’s the cutest thing ever because memes are a love language these days,” relationship expert Gigi Engle told the Metro. She described sending memes as “a form of creating a connection with people”.
Pebbling is the new poetry? Yes, but easier. There are entire accounts devoted to memes that are perfect for pebbles. Check out hashtags like #relationship and #relationshipmeme on Instagram and TikTok.
I wondered when it would lead to Instagram and TikTok. One post from a little girl sing the Selena Gomez song Love You Like a Love Songand captioned: “When you ask your boyfriend if he can take you out for a treat and he says yes”, has had 2.7 million views.
Yuk! Well, each to his own and all that. Other “pebbles” are of course available. Find one you like, or rather one you think they’ll like, and DM it to The One.
And it’s not stealing? It’s allowed. Interestingly, another variety of real penguins, the Adélie penguin, does exactly that – steal pebbles from other penguinsin Antarctica.
While you sing Set the rain on fire? Huh? Oh I see: no, it’s the Adele penguin, boom boom.
Do say: “Awww, that’s so cute.”
Don’t say: “Yeah great, you copied and pasted a link to a meme, love you too honey.”