Can peeling an orange indicate whether or not your partner loves you? Well, this viral trend, which started on TikTok and has since spread to other social media platforms, suggests so. The whole concept revolves around people asking their partners to peel an orange for them, which is a simple task they can complete on their own. According to the trend, a person’s willingness to complete the task demonstrates their commitment to their relationship.
The orange peel theory focuses on the idea that small acts of service are not just about the action itself but about what it represents in the relationship
“The orange peel theory focuses on the idea that small acts of service are not just about the action itself but about what it represents in the relationship,” Kate Truitt, a board-certified psychologist and applied neuroscientist, told HuffPost. “They signal care, love and commitment, and the repetition of the act enhances the overall health and happiness of the relationship. These gestures, often simple and seemingly mundane, are in fact pivotal in nurturing a loving, supportive and enduring partnership,” Truitt added.
According to Time, it all started with a TikTok video of an ex-couple’s text exchange. In the series of texts, there was a conversation about one of the partners peeling oranges for the other while they were together. TikTok users used the opportunity to share other small gestures that their partners make for them. Soon, many people began sharing videos of themselves asking their partners to peel an orange, giving rise to the now-viral trend. A few people also mentioned that the theory applies to non-romantic relationships as well.