The Couch

The word couch from French se coucher means "to lie down" 

-wikipedia

I've never like sitting on the couch, I've always found myself lying sideways on the couch to be most comfortable way of "sitting".  How many people sit on the couch while watching the television? Was the couch was first designed for sitting?

The couch, identified with relaxing and lounging connotatively represent a place to unwind much like Bed. However, I find the bed's association with relaxing leans towards sleeping/resting. Couch on the other hand represents a different type of relaxing relating to entertainment. Perhaps , the lost use of "daybed" is a result to distinguish the use of the two furniture. 

3:32 PM 

 I've set down a nice little lunch I've prepared on the coffee table (student style) for a nice two hours of movie and relaxing on my couch. My couch is quite ordinary, a muddy pallet of flowers and a surprise underneath the cushions. Well, at least 10 years ago, it was quite surprising. A sofa bed which lasted 10 years of wear and tear, pretty great.

3:50 PM

 Sitting half way on the edge of the couch and leaning towards the table, I've quickly finished my meal. I've never enjoyed sitting on the couch. I finished my last piece of kiwi fruit and leaned back in a slouchy sitting position. After sitting for 5 minutes I find myself sliding my body sideways leaning my head on the arm rest. For some reason, I've always found that lying sideways being the most comfortable way of "sitting" on the couch. I wonder how many people actually find sitting on the couch for a long period to be comfortable. 

From Wikipedia I found a short history of The Couch:

"Until the 20th century a couch referred to a long upholstered seat with one end inclined, high enough to provide a back and head-rest. "Couch" which in Late Middle Ages had signified bedding (fro the French se coucher, or "to lie down") was interchangeable with "daybed" through the 17th century. Couch also known as the sopha or sofa had a separate origin. Sofa was originally an Arabic word for raised section of floor, furnished with rugs and cushions, set apart for a council thus also especially esteemed guests.