Viral ‘orange peel theory’ can reveal whether relationship is sweet or sour

If you haven’t yet heard of the “orange peel theory,” it’s probably time to get up to speed — especially with Valentine’s Day on the horizon.

It’s a viral trend that originally got its start on TikTok in the fall, as reported by the New York Times. Now, it’s taken the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, by storm.

The idea is this: If your significant other is willing to peel an orange for you, they are a keeper. Sweet.

If not, well, there could be a problem. Sour.

the peel orange theory is literally a reminder of how sometimes the slightest thing that might be inconvenient to you might lighten up someone's day, platonic or not. like of course I'll stay up with you until you feel better even if I'm grumpy in the morning +

— ً (@oatspit) January 17, 2024

my bf said ofc he’d peel an orange for me and he had no idea what the orange peel theory was until i told him after pic.twitter.com/6cRIG7vCmD

— ava (@kyorikis) January 18, 2024

Peeling an orange is supposed to represent a mundane task that a person in your life is willing to do for you.

And some significant others haven’t risen to the occasion.

I just watched a video about the orange peel theory, and this is why social media is magical.

The number of women who realize they're in terrible relationships because of simple everyday situations is :

1) Helpful because they finally realize that they're dating shitty men &…

— Wild Woman☀️ (@the_wildwoman) January 16, 2024

What happens if your significant other doesn’t know how to peel an orange or is allergic to the fruit? People have expressed some of their concerns.

what do you do if ur bf’s response to the orange peel theory is “i’ve never peeled an orange before” ???

— grace (@grcdwyr) January 18, 2024

All these orange peel theories, what to do if u allergic to oranges ????????

— UJ (@urjitaudeshi) January 19, 2024

Some are pledging or expecting even more than oranges…

“orange peel theory” if i had a girlfriend i would plant her an orange tree so that she never had to go grocery shopping again

— sawyer 🙂 (@allsoynoboy) January 18, 2024

orange peel theory is so cute but i would chip my nails to peel the pistachio shells for you.

— r❦ (@rachinhermood) January 17, 2024

enough orange peel theory bullshit this is how i cut fruit for my lover pic.twitter.com/Go5idTcTTO

— lala ੈ♡ (@kissieplease) January 17, 2024

orange peel theory or whatever but would you deseed a watermelon and cut it in cubes for me

— shreya ???? (@thegirlonfired) January 18, 2024

The fun part? Peeling oranges doesn’t have to just revolve around significant others. It can be a symbol of someone’s friendship or familial love.

Did my 2 year old niece just orange peel theory me pic.twitter.com/SsoCCmMyVB

— sydney ???? (@sydneyy_ha) January 18, 2024