As the cost of living in Canada continues to skyrocket, residents are coming up with increasingly unusual ways to make ends meet. From high housing expenses to daily necessities, many Canadians are struggling to maintain their lifestyle—and some are turning to unorthodox income streams to survive.

One such story has gone viral on social media: a 37-year-old woman from Canada, Monique Jeremiah, revealed that she started renting out half of her bed to strangers to earn extra income. The idea, as bizarre as it may sound, has sparked widespread debate online and drawn global attention.

Life in Canada Becoming Unaffordable for Many

Canada has long been a top destination for immigrants, particularly from states like Punjab and Haryana in India. However, over the past few years, the cost of living in cities across Canada has become alarmingly high, forcing many to rethink how they manage housing expenses.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Monique found herself in a difficult position. Not only did she lose her regular source of income, but she also went through a breakup, leaving her living alone in an expensive apartment. With bills piling up and rent becoming unaffordable, she turned to an unconventional solution.

The Concept of "Hot Bedding"

Monique came across the idea of “hot bedding,” a system where one shares their bed with another person—usually a stranger—for a fee. She decided to give it a try. Posting an ad online, she offered half of her bed for rent at a low cost. Surprisingly, several people responded positively.

According to Monique, the arrangement helped her earn around ₹50,000 per month (approx. CAD $800) in additional income. That extra cash made a huge difference in keeping her afloat during tough financial times.

Rules and Boundaries Were a Must

Despite the personal nature of the arrangement, Monique emphasized that she set strict boundaries. The “hot bedding” system included rules such as:

• No unwanted physical contact—everything had to be mutually agreed upon.
• Cuddling was permitted only with consent.
• Both parties were aware of and agreed to the rules before participating.

While the idea sounds controversial, Monique claims it was a practical solution that worked for her. She also acknowledged the potential safety risks, especially if someone with bad intentions ended up beside her.

The Internet Reacts

The story received mixed reactions online. Some people criticized the practice, calling it dangerous and risky, especially for women. Others defended Monique's decision, saying it's her personal choice and an innovative way to deal with economic pressure.

Following Monique's viral post, “hot bedding” has gained attention globally, with several women sharing similar stories of how they used the concept to earn money and manage high living costs.

As housing becomes unaffordable in many parts of the world, people are finding alternative ways to adapt, even if they push social norms. Monique’s story is just one example of how financial challenges can lead to unconventional yet effective solutions.

Whether one agrees with the idea or not, it raises a bigger question: how sustainable is urban life in countries with rising living expenses?