New social media trends are influencing the way teenagers and adults alike find value in their relationships. This rush of relationship content could impact the future norms of relationships.
One new trend follows the idea that if a person’s partner cares for them, they will perform an act of service despite one’s capability to complete the task themself.
The viral theory has turned into a test. Girls are posting videos on TikTok of themselves asking their boyfriends to peel an orange for them with captions such as, “Did he pass?” Whether or not their boyfriends will peel a piece of citrus for them has turned into a standard for judging a relationship.
Acts of service are not new to relationship standards. In ancient times a lover could show their affection by building a home to reside in. In modern times a person can show their care by helping with daily chores. But will the media representation of relationship trends impact the way connections are valued?
Senior Mady Fox shared her opinion on the trend.
“I love the orange peel theory! I believe it represents the sacrifices we are willing to make for certain people…at some point in everyone’s lives we have the person that will be there to peel our oranges when we can’t do so ourselves,” Fox said.
There might be some explanation as to why so many people are turning to fruit for relationship advice. Studies of human psychology have shown completing small acts of service shows an exchange of support and reciprocity. These are two common traits that people look for in a partner. The orange peel test might help reassure people in relationships that their partners not only support, but also care for them.
But whether or not a person chooses to peel an orange does not have to be the end-all be-all of a relationship.
There are five types of love languages most commonly seen. The orange peel test is only a measure of those who express their love through acts of service. The other love languages, words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch and gift giving are all measures of love that can not be tested by someone peeling a piece of fruit.
Married for eight years, Valerie Moore thinks the trend is silly. “No one should test the person they are dating and define their whole relationship on if the person passes,” Moore said.
Social media has changed the way we interact with life. Moore shared, “I understand that it may be a cute trend, and that it could be cool to get your boyfriend to follow along, but I never would have done something like that.”
Despite this, millions of people are jumping to follow this new trend. It is evident social media has shaped the way people interact. A continued rise in relationship content could radically change the way society views connections in future generations.
