My bestie was regaling me with the details of a red-hot hookup, going into all the steamy specifics. As she slid into the bit about hopping into a shower together, my distracted mind started to wonder - When did this idea of showering together with your boo even come in?

Now, being the internet binge reading timepass articles gal I am, I splashed in to figure this. And babe, you’ve to buckle up, wait, towel up, for what I have in store today. 

Ancient Egypt: Bougie Cleanses with Royal Vibes

So, Ancient Egypt was all about those extra AF bath rituals. For wealthy pharaohs, it wasn't just about getting clean; it was like a full-on spiritual self-care sesh. They had these posh stone tubs in their private bathrooms, dripping in luxury with fancy oils and incense. And all this wasn’t for a solo act, communal bath was a legit thing. Think purity and pampering with your entire squad, and not just bae.

Ancient Greece: Bros, Baths, and Philosophical Chats

Now, the Greeks loved their communal baths. And oh boy, it wasn’t just a romantic hot tub scene! Nope, these were full-on public bathhouses called loutras, and they were seriously poppin’. These spots were like the original social media hangouts (minus the selfies, hehe). Men chatted about philosophy, politics, and business moves as they scrubbed up. While mixed-gender bathing wasn’t exactly trending -  it’s hard to imagine that lovers wouldn’t be getting together in private baths too, celebrating the human body and chatting away. If Socrates did have a bae, they’d probably be lounging in a private marble bath, talking about the meaning of life.

Rome: When in Rome, Bathe as Romans Do (read : did)

The Romans? Oh honey ,they didn’t just do bath time—they owned it. They were the true OGs. Public bathhouses, or thermae, were more like ancient spas where people mingled, chilled, and sometimes (ahem, ahem) flirted. These epic grand complexes had hot baths (caldarium), cold dips (frigidarium), and even saunas (laconicum). It truly sounds like ancient Vegas to me - what happened in the caldarium, stayed in the caldarium.

And what’s more - these mega-bathhouses could fit thousands of people! And rumor has it that some emperors threw bath parties so wild, they'd make today's pool parties look like playdates. Nero and Commodus, we're looking at you, you saucy minxes!

Medieval Times: Quite a Wave

Okay, fast forward to medieval Europe, where bathing wasn’t exactly trendy. The Church thought baths were a little too, um, sexy, so folks weren’t splashing around much. But by the late Middle Ages, public bathhouses (called “stews”) were making waves again, especially in Renaissance Italy and Low countries. Couples started hitting the tubs together. These stews became the go-to spots for a little scrub-a-dub-dub and some cuddle time too. Hygiene with a side of romance, anyone?

Japan: Almost Ancient Zen

Japan, though, has always known what’s up. Communal baths have been a thing for centuries, it’s chilling in hot springs (onsen) or hitting up public bathhouses (sentō). These baths were all about bonding times and deep relaxation. And in Japanese homes, couples often bathed together in deep, hot tubs called furo. It’s less about scrubbing and more about soaking, unwinding and connecting.

Turkish Hammams: Scrub and Snuggle (Sorta)

Turkish hammams are essentially Roman thermae’s glow up phase. Bath time is a full-on social scene. Men and women usually bathe separately, but couples often visit together, enjoying separate sections. In fancy homes, private hammam chambers let partners indulge in luxurious, intimate baths. The vibe? Luxe, intimate, and oh-so-refreshing. Picture Turkish towels and that post-bath glow. #CoupleGoals, anyone?

The Renaissance: Baths and Boudoirs

The Renaissance brought back bath-time boujee. The rich installed private bathrooms that'd make your Instagram feed jealous. Sometimes entire rooms were dedicated to bathing! Think fancy tiles, fancy soaps, and… yep, couples enjoying baths together in their personal spas. Bathing with a partner became a symbol of status and intimacy, especially among the aristocracy.  The boudoir was born, and it was basically a Renaissance-era version of a couples’ retreat, complete with rose petals and flirty bath rituals.

Baroque and Rococo period 

By the 18th century, the boudoir became the go-to spot for private baths. Women’s boudoirs featured beautiful bathtubs, turning bath time an eroticized, intimate activity. The French court, with icons like Marie Antoinette, made bathing an art form, blending love and luxury with perfumes and herbal mixes.While it wasn’t always a full-on nude affair—think linen gowns or just a little something - it was still pretty bold for the time. Imagine candlelit baths and scented waters - total romance goals!

Victorian Era: Bathing, But Make It Proper

Enter a less scandalous and more sophisticated era. With a blend of strict morals and a dash of indulgent privacy, indoor plumbing started making its way into middle and upper-class homes. Enter the clawfoot bathtub - a symbol of luxury and romantic charm. While public baths were still around, the focus shifted to private, intimate bathing. Some tubs were so ornate, they looked like pieces of art. Literature and art hinted at sensuality keeping shared baths a hidden pleasure behind the era’s conservative facade.

Post WWII Chapter : Revolution and Relaxation

After WWII, things started to get pretty interesting. First off, the 1960s brought the sexual revolution, shaking off the conservative vibes of the '40s and '50s for a more open take on sexuality and intimacy. At the same time, technology and lifestyle were evolving fast. Home appliances, like showers, became the new norm, making private bathing experiences way more accessible. This shift from communal baths to private showers meant more personal space to relax and unwind. And, oh, let’s not forget—the spa culture started making its debut, adding a touch of luxury to self-care.

Late 20th and 21st Century: The Hollywood Glow-Up

Fast forward to the 20th century, and Hollywood made couple baths look like pure magic. The sparkling candles, bubbles, the works! Bathing together became the romantic fantasy, straight out of a movie, and honestly, quite literally, scenes in multiple movies. 

Modern Era: Couples Who Shower Together, Stay Together?

These days, partner-bathing is all the rage and for good reason. It’s not just about turning up the heat; it’s a great way to boost sensuality and melt away stress. Personally, I love it because it’s helped me feel more at ease with my body—stretch marks and all—especially in front of my partner. And here’s a fun twist: with climate change on everyone’s radar, Gen Z couples are now dubbing this practice ‘eco-showering’  or ‘eco-friendly showering’ because, bonus, it helps conserve water!

You see, the idea of shared bathing is timeless .So, the next time you share a fancy tub or hop in for a quick shower together - remember - you’re diving into a rich history of love and luxury! Go babe, make history repeat itself over and over again ;)

About the Author:

Hemali (she/her) is an explorer of the realms of sexuality, intimacy, and dating. She talks endlessly about the evolving landscape of feminist narratives on the big screen and makes you reanalyze the portrayal of women in mainstream culture. If you're looking for alternative conversation starters, take your pick from: Biryani, Art Fairs, or Spoken Word Poetry.