Expert explains what viral 'orange peel' relationship theory actually tests

A psychologist has weighed in on the ‘orange peel’ test that’s causing mayhem in people’s relationships.

For those unaware, the dating trend, which has spread like wildfire on TikTok, involves women asking their partners to peel an orange for you and - apparently - it’s an absolute red flag if boyfriends fail.

TikToker Anna Birmingham explained: “When your partner does an act of service for you that’s something that you are perfectly capable of doing on your own.”

She went on to say that this is for ‘really small stuff’ like, you guessed it, like ‘peeling an orange’.

Birmingham continued: “Let’s say that for whatever reason I hate peeling my oranges, but I really like oranges. I ask my partner ‘hey babe would you mind peeling this orange for me?’

“And they can either respond with ‘of course love, not a problem at all’. Or they can say ‘no, you are perfectly capable of peeling that orange yourself’.

“Or maybe my partner already knows that I really don’t f*ck with citrus and has the orange already peeled and prepared for me.”

While it may seem fairly simple, psychologist and relationship expert Alexandra Solomon says there’s a little bit more to it than meets the eye.

Speaking to Vox, Solomon said the test is really asking: “Are you there for me? Or, to what degree are you willing or able or wanting to take care of me? So that’s my first thought: What are people asking about or seeking when they do this test?”

However, just because it has a deeper meaning, doesn’t mean it’s all good.

“The worry that I have is that I prefer us to talk directly to our partners about our needs rather than setting up a test,” Solomon added.

“And certainly, rather than setting up a test that goes public, because I think the risk here is humiliation.”

Not only that but Solomon also warns against putting too faith in a two-minute test.

When asked if it would be a good idea to end a relationship if your other-half fails the test.

She replied: “You should not. But maybe you should say, ‘I’d love it if you peeled me an orange’ or ‘I love it when you provide me with a little snack.’ Teach your partner what loving you well means.”

Featured Image Credit: Tim Robberts/Daniel Day/Getty Images

Topics: Dating trends, TikTok, Sex and Relationships

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]