The Orange Peel Theory: What It Is & How to Do It

Download Article

Plus, the psychology behind this viral trend

Co-authored by Bertha Isabel Crombet, PhD Reviewed by John Keegan

Last Updated: September 25, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

Theory Explained

|

Psychology

|

Is the orange peel theory true?

|

Video

Content created by couples on social media has experienced a huge boom in recent years, particularly on TikTok. One of the latest trends among couples involves testing what Gen Z is calling the “orange peel theory.” In essence, one person asks their partner for an orange, and the state in which their partner brings the orange to them is supposed to reveal the truth about the strength of their love. But, how could an orange be responsible for determining the fate of an entire relationship? If you’ve heard about the orange peel theory and want to learn more, keep reading for a comprehensive breakdown— from rind to seeds!

What is the orange peel theory?

The orange peel theory on TikTok tests how much one person is willing to do for their partner, and by extension, how much they truly love them. If one person asks the other to bring them an orange, they pass the test if they peel and slice the orange for their partner. If they don't peel it, it's considered a red flag.

Section 1 of 3:

Orange Peeling Theory Explained

Download Article

The orange peel theory is meant to test a relationship's health. This trend started making the rounds on TikTok in late 2023–early 2024, but it's not totally clear where the first video originated. According to TikToks about the theory, how your partner responds to a request for an orange can tell you how good of a partner they are: if they happily peel an orange for you, then they truly love and appreciate you. If they bring you an unpeeled orange or refuse a request to peel it, then it’s a sign that they don’t actually love you and your relationship may be in hot water.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- The #orangepeeltheory hashtag has been used over 140 million times on TikTok, with user reactions ranging from cringe to support to outrage that relationships would be tested in this trivial way.
- Some people believe that testing a partner like this is in itself a red flag, as relationships are highly nuanced, complex, and should not be defined by a single mundane request.

Section 2 of 3:

Orange Peel Theory Psychology

Download Article

The theory may indicate the asker’s love language is acts of service. When one person in a relationship asks the other to complete a small task, such as peeling an orange for them, and they place a high value on their partner completing it, it’s a strong indicator that their love language is acts of service. This is one of the 5 main love languages, which also include physical touch, gift giving and receiving, words of affirmation, and spending quality time together. However, while it’s nice to know exactly what makes your heart flood with love, psychologists don’t recommend testing the relationship with deception and hidden agendas.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Tests of affection or loyalty typically end up biting the tester in the butt, as they tend to create distance between the two parties.
- If a partner occasionally denies a small request, it doesn’t necessarily imply that there’s trouble in paradise or that they don’t love you. In fact, they may perceive the test as a sign of their partner’s lack of love for them, creating more issues.
- Similarly, testers are not inherently bad people. They might have an anxious avoidant style or be simply playing out old patterns that presented themselves in previous relationships.
- If you have a history of testing your partner in relationships, try having an open and honest conversation about it. Take accountability and work through those deep-rooted feelings of abandonment, rejection, and/or fear.

Section 3 of 3:

Is the orange peel theory true?

Download Article

No, the orange peel theory is not a reliable measure of a relationship's health. Participating in viral TikTok trends like the orange peel theory can be fun and make us feel like we belong, which is often what humans want. However, when it comes to testing the health, strength, and stability of your relationship and your partner’s love for you, asking them to peel an orange will not likely yield the conclusive results you’re looking for. Maybe your partner just got a paper cut between their pointer and middle fingers and kindly declined your request to avoid the biting pain of citrus. Or maybe they’re allergic to oranges and you never knew until that very moment.
- Whatever the case, taking the orange peel theory seriously is more likely to cause harm to your relationship than be an indicator of the relationship's health.