One call, however, took an emotional turn, becoming unexpectedly heartfelt.
A lighthearted trend has been making its rounds online - one where people cold-call their friends to wish them a "goodnight," capturing the awkward and often funny reactions on video.
While most calls end in laughter or playful confusion, one recorded interaction stood out to viewers after taking a completely unexpected turn.
What started as a joke between Gunnery Sergeant Austin J. Otto, 37, and his friend Juan D. Gutierrez, 28, shifted into a genuine moment of vulnerability.
The call, simple as it was, revealed how easily moments of connection can uncover feelings that often go unspoken - especially among men, who are rarely given space to express them.
On May 20, 2025, Otto's wife, Becky, shared a video series of her husband calling five of his fellow Marines as a part of the "goodnight" trend. However, it was his discussion with Gutierrez that went viral on TikTok for pulling on viewers' heartstrings.
"When I called Staff Sergeant Gutierrez, I assumed that due to our history of working together and checking in on our Marines regularly, it would be a pretty benign response," Otto tells PEOPLE exclusively. "Aside from my wife and kids, I've never really called many people simply to say 'goodnight' without any other context to the conversation."
The call started as expected - respectful and professional on both sides. But the conversation quickly took a turn when Gutierrez admitted he had never received a call like that from anyone before.
"I think this is the most heartwarming thing someone's ever done for me," Gutierrez is heard saying through the phone. "Not even my dad calls me to say goodnight."
Although Otto is seen trying to contain his laughter in the video, he admits that he only agreed to take part in the trend because of its meaningful message.
"[Gutierrez] is an outstanding Marine who is known for taking care of his Marines regularly, so receiving a call like that would be assumed to hit a 'soft spot,'" Otto explains.
Nevertheless, he was fully aware of the "potential harm or 'red flag' message a phone just to say goodnight could send." So after discussing his plan with Becky, if any of the conversations took a turn for the worse, he would stop the trend and address any concerns right away.
Luckily, shortly after the call, Otto received a text from Gutierrez that read: "Have a goodnight Gunny 💜." Having both been stationed at Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 364, the purple heart - the color of their squadron - is often used to show care for each other and to represent the unit's pride and camaraderie.
Otto enlisted in the Marine Corps back in August 2007. After being deployed five times to locations including Kuwait, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, he is currently stationed in San Diego, Calif. In July 2025, he is set to be promoted to First Sergeant at the 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, Alpha Company in North Carolina.
He and Gutierrez met seven years ago at a Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course while both serving in the Marines and have been in contact ever since. The phone call between the two happened just a few days before Gutierrez left for Yuma, Ariz., opening the door to a continued friendship beyond their time working together.
"Since that phone call took place, he and I have talked or texted every day during his move, the purchase of his first home, getting settled in and furnishing his home," Otto tells PEOPLE. "It opened a door I am confident we both needed on his way out of the unit."
With many people struggling with loneliness, depression, sadness, or other emotional challenges, something as simple as a phone call can really make a difference.
"I don't feel that my Staff Sergeant was feeling any of those aforementioned emotions but I could certainly tell by his response that he quickly realized it was something he hadn't had before and it meant a lot to him," Otto says.
"I wholeheartedly believe this message has opened millions of eyes, mine included, to what small acts of staying connected can do for people on all ends."