One day, my boyfriend, Jake, came over. We were hanging out in my room, laughing and talking, when I suddenly asked, “Do I smell bad?” I didn’t know why I asked. Maybe I just needed reassurance that this whole cold shower ordeal was worth it. Jake laughed, thinking I was joking, and headed to the bathroom to wash his hands.

A moment later, he came back with a pale look on his face, holding the soap I used to shower. “Who gave you this?! Are you taking cold showers with this?!?” he demanded, his voice tinged with panic. My blood froze. “Yeah, why?!” I replied, feeling a sudden wave of anxiety wash over me.