What is Pebbling?
A Healthier Michigan
| 3 min read
If you find a funny video or meme and send it to a friend or loved one, you’re pebbling.
Pebbling is the practice of sending little day-brighteners or “pebbles” to others in your life. It’s an appreciation practice for couples, friends and family. The term comes from the behavior of Gentoo penguins, who present pebbles to other penguins they are bonding with to use in nesting. The penguins take time sorting through pebbles and finding a suitable pebble for the recipient.
Pebbling for humans has become a trend on social media. While it’s often discussed as a way to communicate with someone you are interested in or romantically involved, it brings fun to any kind of relationship. Some parents find it a helpful way to bond with their kids.
What are examples of pebbling?
Pebbles can be as simple as shared messages, memes, funny videos or videos about shared interests. Sharing these pebbles communicates that you are thinking of that person, something reminded you of them or you found something you know they will appreciate.
Pebbles aren’t limited to messages on social media. They can be acts of service – taking care of chores or repairs, making someone their favorite meal or helping them with pets, kids or any act of service you know they will appreciate. Pebbles can also be gifts. These are all ways to show care for someone without needing to put it into words.
Another benefit of pebbling is that you don’t have to share the messages or gifts in real time. Your loved one can get to the video or meme when they have time or save them for a bad day. Pebbling can also lead to more in-depth communication after you bond over the message. Maybe a video about a common interest evolves into more time spent doing a hobby together or discussions about other shared interests.
How to use pebbling in your relationships
When you are scrolling social media, taking a trip to the store, or you learn of a friend’s interest, you have an opportunity to find a pebble to share. You can probably relate to the feeling of seeing a funny video online and knowing someone who would appreciate it. Share it with them; it may brighten their day and will let them know they were on your mind. Here are some examples of pebbling that you can use in your relationships:
- picking up someone’s favorite snack or drink when you see it
- sending memes especially suited for the person you have in mind
- spend a day learning about a hobby or interest of theirs so that they have someone to talk about it with
- baking cookies or treats for a friend or loved one
- sharing an interesting or thought-provoking article related to their interests
These are just a few examples of pebbling, but any gift, thoughtful message or act of kindness that shows you have the other person on your mind counts as pebbling.
