So, what's going on with Couch Guy, TikTok's latest obsession?

'He hugged her like she was his aunt at Christmas dinner,' one user says of Couch Guy, TikToK's new viral video

In this illustration photo the Streamlabs, TikTok, Twitter, Telegram, Facebook, YouTube and Pinterest app icons are displayed on a smartphone screen in Ankara, Turkey on May 11, 2021.
(Image credit: Rasit Aydogan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

The social media super sleuths are out in full force: Couch Guy, TikTok's new fasciation, is proof. 

When one user innocently posted a video surprising her boyfriend at college, eagle-eyed viewers—five million, to be exact—responded by pointing out a few red flags and dating deal breakers

Lauren Zarras had no idea she was going to achieve viral status with her short clip. Yet here she is, soaking up TikTok fame—but not necessarily in a good way. She walked in, Jansport and luggage at hand, to her boyfriend's college dorm for a surprise visit. "Still Falling For You" by Ellie Goulding played in the background as she walked in and went for an embrace. 

Sweet, right? Well, plenty of TikTok users seem to think otherwise. They were quick to point out that Robbie, Zarras' boyfriend, was sitting on the couch next to two other women and didn't look terribly thrilled about his unannounced guest. What's more is that users took the opportunity to mark a few questionable sightings: Robbie's alleged attempt to hide his cell, the hair tie on his wrist. Trojan condoms appeared in the comments to question the "colored foils on the table." 

But, unfortunately, it gets worse. 

"He hugged her like she was his aunt at Christmas dinner," one user commented. Another wrote, "If my girl walked in and I'm sitting on the couch next to two other girls I'm leaving in a body bag."



The drama over the Couch Guy TikTok trend

Well, what do you think? 

It seems given the length of the video (a mere 19 seconds) and the quality of the footage, it's kind of hard to make out all of these "red flags," but that certainly hasn't stopped anyone. 

However, rather than accuse this woman of being in denial, wouldn't you suspect TikTok users would have her back and give her a warning about the behavior, rather than make her feel bad? So much for solidarity. 

@laurenzarras

robbie had no idea

♬ still falling for you - audiobear

In response to the plethora of comments about her denial, Zarras wrote: "Breaks my heart that people can watch a special moment and bring so much negativity. please think before you assume anything about my relationship." 

She did dispute the claims, noting that the girls he was sitting next two were in on her plan. Additionally, the hair tie on his wrist is actually a matching magnetic couples bracelet that they both wear, not another lady's hair accessory. 

Zarras even put her family on her feed in a video asking their opinion about Robbie. According to the clip, they love 'em. 

@laurenzarras

we love robbie 🤍

♬ original sound - laurenzarras

Though the young woman has repeatedly asked to "stop the hate," she—in true Gen Z fashion—turned her viral moment into an opportunity. Now, interested TikTok users who have gotten a glimpse of the social media ambush can purchase their very own Couch Guy T-shirt—in a variety of colors, no less. 

@laurenzarras

couch guy t shirt

♬ original sound - laurenzarras

If you need us, we'll be focusing our attention on the best TikTok recipes instead of this messy quandary—those pesto eggs aren't going to cook themselves.

Danielle Valente
Digital News Writer

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.


Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few. 


When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again.