What began as an ordinary attempt to beat the summer heat has escalated into what experts are calling “a deeply concerning relationship” between a man and his ceiling fan.

Thirty-four-year-old office worker Daniel R. reports that after months of absentmindedly staring at the rotating blades above his bed, his emotional state has become “fully dependent on the fan’s speed.”

“When it’s on low, I feel reflective. Medium makes me productive. High speed gives me confidence bordering on recklessness,” Daniel explained while refusing to turn the fan off. “If it stops suddenly, I feel like I’ve disappointed it.”

According to Daniel, the conditioning happened gradually. During stressful work calls, he increased the fan speed. During moments of calm, he slowed it down. Over time, his brain began associating airflow with psychological stability.

“I tried sitting in silence once,” he said. “No breeze. No hum. I thought too many thoughts. Dangerous thoughts.”

Scientists Are Concerned, But Also Curious

Behavioral researchers say this may be the first documented case of rotational emotional outsourcing, a phenomenon in which individuals subconsciously assign emotional regulation to household machinery.

“This challenges everything we know about coping mechanisms,” said one expert. “We used to worry about people relying on music or meditation. Now it’s… appliances.”

Attempts to remove the fan have failed. Daniel reports experiencing restlessness, an inability to sleep, and the sensation that “the room is judging him.”

The Fan Declines to Comment

When asked whether he believes the fan is aware of its influence, Daniel paused.

“Sometimes,” he admitted, “I swear it slows down when I’m sad. Not because I changed the setting. Just… out of understanding.”

Roommates deny the fan has any such capability but admit they now adjust their moods accordingly when entering the room “out of respect.”

What’s Next?

Daniel says he plans to install a second ceiling fan “for emotional backup,” though friends worry this could escalate into a full support system.

“I don’t see the problem,” Daniel said. “Some people go to therapy. I lie down and let the wind decide who I am today.”

At press time, the fan continued spinning at a calm, reassuring medium speed.