First doing the viral TikTok rounds in 2023, it seems the orange peel theory has now become synonymous with signs of true love.
The trend is said to be a good indicator of a strong relationship — and users of the social media platform are putting the theory to the test to see if their significant other makes the cut.
The theory goes that if you hand your partner an orange and they peel it for you without being asked, then it's a sign you've got a keeper.
It can also relate to other small acts of kindness and gestures that demonstrate thoughtfulness toward your partner.
The point is that this theory should highlight whether your partner does things for you without you asking.
People are now flocking to TikTok to share their experiences of the orange peel theory in action. Several of these posts are heartwarming reminders that true love still exists.
@aileenchristineee He knows me too well 🥲🫶🏼
♬ original sound - Aileenchristineee
While some TikTok users are thrilled that their partner is happy to peel their oranges, others are being warned by their followers to 'run' after things don't quite go to plan.
Viewers of this clip by @mckenziesemaan have alternatively pointed out a series of 'red flags' after she asked her partner to peel an orange for her.
@mckenziesemaan All I see is red 🚩🙄 #orangepeeltheory #whyhedomelikethat
♬ original sound - McKenzie
Sometimes things don't quite go to plan with viral TikTok trends.
Others have taken to social media to admit that the orange peel theory has been the cause of their break-ups.
@flaw_liss orange peel theory was my ex’s final straw 🍊 #orangepeeltheory
♬ original sound - Ariel
Where did TikTok's orange peel theory begin?
The latest viral orange peel trend appears to be linked to a TikTokker called Jenna.
She shared a clip in 2023 in which her boyfriend surprised her with something she wasn't expecting.
@jennaskates heart wrenching. But in a good way. #fypシ #baking #cakes
♬ Think Of Me Once In A While, Take Care - Take Care
In the video, Jenna was surprised to discover that her boyfriend had brought home a tub of eggs while making sure to separate the egg whites.
"And this man took time to pre-separate the egg whites from the yolks for me,” Jenna wrote in the video, as she unpacked the boxes.
She explained that she had previously mentioned her frustration with egg whites in a passing comment and didn't realise he'd paid attention.
After sharing a tender kiss with her boyfriend, Jenna added: “He saw me! Never thought egg white would make me cry.”
Her sentiments swiftly attracted comments reminding her that this was an example of the "orange peel theory" in action.
"He peeled your orange," wrote one TikTok user.
Another added: "Next time I see someone asking what the orange peel theory is I'm tagging them in this."
"Because when a man loves you — he solves your problems. You don't have to ask," said a third.
Does TikTok's orange peel theory work?
Jenna's viral video appeared to have sparked many other "orange peel" tests across the internet.
TikTok is now packed with videos of couples either proving the theory works or realising they're maybe not made for each other.
@ceciliaregina275 @shelby #orangepeeltheory #dating #relationship #gaslighting
♬ original sound - ceciliaregina275
However, there are mixed responses as to whether the theory works in reality.
One social media user faced a backlash for taking the theory too seriously — and later wrote: "I admit that I should not have taken advice from TikTok and that it showed immaturity to do so.
"However, I disagree on the fact that what happened wasn’t a big deal. The method worked and made me see that I do a lot more for him than he does for me."
