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
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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."
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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 (opens in new tab) robbie had no idea
♬ still falling for you - audiobear (opens in new tab)
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 (opens in new tab) we love robbie 🤍
♬ original sound - laurenzarras (opens in new tab)
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 (opens in new tab) couch guy t shirt
♬ original sound - laurenzarras (opens in new tab)
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 is a writer for woman&home and My Imperfect Life, covering all-things news, lifestyle and entertainment.
The heart of her time at Future has been devoted to My Imperfect Life, where she's been attuned to the cosmos, new TV shows and relationship trends.
Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids and a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, amNewYork and Newsday, among other outlets.
When Danielle is not working, you can usually find her reading a book, coffee at hand, or attempting a new recipe. (Recommendations always welcome!)
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