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Updated Oct 14, 2024The Orange Peel Theory Is Gen-Z's Favorite Relationship Litmus Test
Orange you glad that we're here to explain?
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Can a healthy relationship be defined through a simple enough test with only one question? That's what TikTok's orange peel theory aims to do. Since its debut, social media has been inundated with videos of users putting their partners to the fruit-based test—the idea of which is based on small acts of service being a solid indicator of the strength of one's relationship.
Wondering what is the orange peel theory? If you still haven't had a taste of this social media phenomenon, you've come to the right place. Orange you glad that we're here to explain? (Sorry, we had to.)
Scroll on to learn more about the orange peel theory—and how much weight it actually holds.
In this article:
- What Is the Orange Peel Theory?
- Orange Peel Theory Psychology
- What Your Orange Peel Results Mean for Your Relationship
What Is the Orange Peel Theory?
If you've been wondering why your FYP has been full of social media influencers peeling fruit, allow us to introduce you to the orange peel theory. The concept? If your partner regularly performs small acts of kindness for you, it's a hallmark of a healthy, long-lasting relationship. Green flags all around.
But that should be obvious though, right? So what makes the orange peel theory stand out? It's its simplicity—and the fact that you get a snack at the end. (The latter is enough to have me signing up, personally.)
In the orange peel theory test, one partner will ask the other to peel an orange for them—and how they respond can hypothetically tell you a lot about your relationship. If they yes, it demonstrates their supposed willingness to care for their partner and meet their wants and needs. If they aren't willing to peel the fruit, it could be an indicator that they may not be as dependable as they could be.
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"According to TikTok, this trend will allow you to test the strength of your relationship," explains one user in a video that has since garnered over 3 million views. "This trend started [making] the rounds in 2023 and now the orange peel theory has become synonymous with signs of true love."
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"Their response is indicative of much bigger things than just peeling an orange," adds TikToker Anna Birmingham in her popular video. "So much about relationships are the small things," she says. "It's the acknowledgment and the feeling of being taken care of…And in a relationship, you should never have to beg for that."
Orange Peel Theory Psychology
The idea behind the orange peel theory does some have weight to it, according to experts. "It's essentially an example of acts of service, a popular love language," explains Hillary S. Ocampo, LCSW, a licensed mental health counselor based in Oregon. "Demonstrating acts of service, even the smaller ones, show care and thoughtfulness towards one's partner."
Meanwhile, social media's infatuation with the orange peel theory also makes sense: "We don't always want to vocalize when we need or want something from our partners," says Ocampo. "The orange peel theory tests how well they can pick up on unspoken or hinted-at signals for their attention."
What Your Orange Peel Results Mean for Your Relationship
That all being said, you shouldn't necessarily base your faith in your relationship on a social media litmus test. Moreover, the best way to have your needs met—whether it's having a piece of fruit peeled, general attention or something bigger—is through honest and direct communication.
"If you've been feeling like your partner hasn't been in tune with what you need or you feel like they don't perform enough small acts of kindness, tricking them into peeling an orange for you likely won't change that," says Ocampo. "However, being vocal about your needs could."
