The WFH Imaginary Coworker Hack: Why Molly Tolsky’s 'Cheryl' Went Viral

Who's to blame for the dirty dishes? Over 682,000 people found the answer in an imaginary coworker named Cheryl. When you work from home with a partner, it's easy to point fingers at each other, but writer Molly Tolsky has a better idea: blame someone who doesn't exist.

Why You Need a WFH Imaginary Coworker

The concept is simple but brilliant. Molly’s imaginary colleague, Cheryl, is notoriously messy and constantly leaves dirty water cups around the house. By shifting the blame to Cheryl, couples can vent their frustrations without hurting each other's feelings. This playful Twitter thread resonated deeply, garnering over 80,500 retweets. Some users even shared photos of their pets, jokingly referring to them as their lazy office mates.

Practical Tips for Remote Couples

While blaming an imaginary friend is fun, experts suggest other ways to keep the peace. Establishing separate workspaces as far apart as possible helps maintain a sense of freedom. Getting dressed for work can also trigger a professional mindset, and investing in noise-canceling headphones is a must for deep focus. If all else fails, just remember: it's probably Cheryl's fault.