I admit it – I don’t like farting in front of my partner, especially the first time. I’m usually embarrassed and shocked when this happens. Why? Because I’m one of those people who’s conditioned to think that farting and going to the bathroom around my partner is “disgusting” and “unattractive,” and I’ll do whatever it takes to stop that from happening.
Case in point: While on vacation with my boyfriend, I avoided pooping for most of the trip, but surprisingly, I ended up super constipated. After a few days, writhing in pain, I finally accepted my predicament. My boyfriend’s reaction? shrugged and offered to buy me a stool softener. I was shocked…and relieved.
A survey by Mic has once again been circulating on social media and found that 29% of people wait two to six months in a relationship before farting, which is also when “I love yous” are exchanged. The same study shows that couples who are able to fart in front of each other are likely to have stronger relationships and better emotional health.
Relationship expert and podcast host Michael Sartain says the findings make a lot of sense. “Farting with each other is a subconscious comfort signal,” Sartain explains. “It shows that you’re comfortable in the relationship and don’t feel the need to filter yourself.”
But what about those who are unwilling to cross that line? Does farting really affect romance—or is it just another weird part of intimacy? Sartain weighs in on why farting may (or may not) be important to your relationship and how it can bring you closer.
Can a couple who fart together still stay together?
Couples who laugh about these moments tend to have a dynamic that comes from humor and trust. “When you can joke about the little things, it shows that you feel safe enough to be honest with each other,” Sartain said. “You’re not hiding or pretending. That kind of honesty is rare, and it’s a healthy partnership A good foundation.”
Sartain believes that over time when you’re in a relationship with someone, “you don’t want it to become difficult to do things like go to the bathroom in front of your partner or show certain weaknesses. When you first make contact, On a date with a girl, you don’t do that, but then, you just sit there, watch Netflix, maybe eat Chick-fil-A together, and then. Prosperity Add the secret sauce and you can tear it apart. It’s not that you don’t care [your partner]. Rather you are in such a comfortable place that it doesn’t bother you too much. So you do it.
Can farts ruin romance?
Absolutely not, says Sartan. He believes this concern often stems from social pressure, especially for women. “To be honest, if a man is physically attracted to a woman, a little gas isn’t going to change that. For most men, it’s not a deal-breaker,” explains Sartain. “If so, the problem isn’t the fart, it’s the fart.” That’s the guy.
If farts are the reason for ruining a romance, there may be deeper issues at play, Sartain says. “If you spend time together, sleep in the same bed, and have intimate sex regularly, then farting shouldn’t matter,” he says. “If that’s the case, then the problem may be more about a lack of attractiveness.”
For Sartan, the real killer of romance is the inability to relax and enjoy each other’s company. “If you’re watching Netflix, eating takeout, and feel comfortable enough to let it go for once, that’s not a bad thing. It’s a sign that you’ve moved beyond superficial concerns and into a more genuine connection.
What if you’re not feeling well yet?
Sartain emphasized that there is no right or wrong way to approach this problem. “You can’t plan these things – there’s no rulebook for when to fart in front of your partner,” he joked. “When you’re both ready, it will happen naturally.”
For those who are uncomfortable with this, Sartain recommends focusing on building trust and humor in the relationship. “It’s about creating an environment where you can be yourself, let go of your quirks and all that.”
For those who see farts as a sign of comfort, Sartain says it’s because farts reflect a level of intimacy that not all couples share. “It’s not the act itself, but what it symbolizes. It shows that you are relaxed and unabashed in front of your partner.
“Think of it this way,” he added. “You question your love for your baby because he poops in front of you? No, you just accept it as a part of life. The same thing goes for farting in a relationship. It’s a natural thing, unless you let it, Failure to do so will not weaken the bond between you.
May I no Fart in front of your partner?
Sartain believes that whether or not to fart in front of your partner is ultimately a personal choice. “In any case, it’s not a big deal,” Sartain explained. “It’s okay if you don’t feel comfortable with it. It doesn’t mean you’re not close or that your relationship lacks intimacy.
Sartain points out that if farts aren’t your thing, there are countless other ways to bond. “Intimacy comes in many forms: sharing a joke, having a deep conversation, hugging, or just being vulnerable with your partner,” he says. “Farting isn’t the only sign of intimacy.”
Your relationship goals should be comfort and acceptance
Sartain believes these “comfortable” moments between you and your partner are symbolic of something deeper. “It’s not just about physical function; it’s about physical function. It’s about acceptance,” he said. “If you can accept each other in the most human way, that’s true intimacy. If farting is what ruins the romance, then you have bigger problems to deal with.
In the end, Sartain believes that whether you fart in front of your partner or not, the goal is the same: to create a relationship where both of you feel safe, seen, and loved—no matter what happens at dinner after Chick-fil-A.
