The Ridiculous "Orange Peel Theory" Exposes the Fragility of Modern Gen Z Relationships

In a culture driven by fragile interpersonal connections and an incessant need for validation, the new internet relationship test known as the "orange peel theory" has gained traction among a generation of young American women.

But why are these women asking their male partners to peel their oranges as a means of testing their appreciation and love?

Dubbed the "orange peel theory," this idea suggests that asking your partner to perform the seemingly trivial task of peeling an orange is a litmus test for their level of care and consideration. According to proponents of this theory, a boyfriend who willingly peels the orange demonstrates his affection, while any refusal or suggestion to do it oneself is deemed grounds for a breakup.

The "orange peel theory" is just the latest in a series of so-called "boyfriend tests" that have flooded social media.

While some tests are clearly satirical, such as asking if a partner would date other people if they ever broke up, others are more insidious or simply bizarre. For instance, the "ketchup challenge" involves squeezing ketchup onto a surface and asking the partner to clean it up, supposedly to highlight men's perceived incompetence. These tests not only lack fairness but also demonstrate a lack of maturity and respect in relationships.

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Relationship psychologist Charisse Cooke tells Vice, the inherent unfairness of such tests, as they fail to consider context, personalities, and intentions. However, she notes that they can be useful in drawing attention to problematic aspects of a relationship that may otherwise be overlooked.

Cooke says that there are better ways to assess the health of a relationship than resorting to TikTok trends.

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