What Is Cushioning?
6.1BRAINROT SCORECushioning Keeping a handful of backup romantic prospects warm on the side while in a relationship — not full cheating, just enough attention paid to soften the blow if the main relationship ends.
Origin:Named for the image of a cushion softening a potential fall, describing this preemptive emotional insurance behavior common in dating-app culture.
First Seen:2018
Peak Era:2018-2026 (Dating Apps Era)
Aura Impact:+5 Aura (Ending a Relationship Cleanly Instead of Cushioning) / -15 Aura (Getting Caught Cushioning While in a Committed Relationship)
EXAMPLE USAGE
"He never fully cut off his ex's texts the whole relationship, pure cushioning in case things didn't work out."
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