SINGAPORE — A viral trend on TikTok has users putting their relationships to the test with the help of an unassuming fruit.

Dubbed the "orange peel theory", it purports that if your significant other is willing to peel an orange for you — without having to be asked and even though you could easily do it yourself — it is a positive indication that your partner truly loves and cares for you.

Social video insights platform Tubular showed that the "orange peel theory" was trending across several countries including Canada, India, the United Kingdom and the United States, having garnered more than 38 million views and 3.8 million engagements as of Friday (Dec 1) afternoon.

Closer to home, Singapore online users have suggested a local alternative to the theory: Prawn peeling.

WHAT IS 'ORANGE PEEL THEORY'?

Contrary to what its name suggests, "orange peel theory" is not just about the act of peeling oranges. It encompasses any small act of kindness or thoughtful gesture, from taking out the trash to preparing a cup of morning coffee.

Essentially, it highlights whether someone is attentive to their partners' needs and does things for them because they can and want to, not because they feel obligated to do so.

HOW DID THE NAME COME ABOUT?

Orange peel theory is believed to have originated from a TikTok slideshow by the account “things.i.cant.sen” featuring an iMessage phone text conversation between an individual and a former partner.

A woman named Charlotte strikes up a conversation by sharing news of getting into New York University in the US. The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as the two reminisce about past experiences.

“I miss when you would peel my oranges for me in the morning,” a message from Charlotte reads. 

The ex replies: “Did you learn how to do it yet?”

“No, I still get juice all over and stab my nails too deep,” Charlotte answers, before admitting to still having lingering feelings. 

The ex advises her that she will “figure it out someday” and suggests ceasing communication. 

The final slide shows Charlotte texting the ex again on another day to say: “I peeled my orange today.”

However, this time, the text appears in a green bubble indicating that she has been removed as an iMessage contact.

The video went viral on TikTok, amassing more than 15.2 million views since it was posted on Nov 4. The emotional exchange resonated with heartbroken individuals, while others expressed appreciation for having loved ones “who still peel their oranges” for them.

TIKTOK USERS TEST THE THEORY

TikTok users have since flooded the video-sharing application to post about the little ways that their partners have brightened their days. A search of the hashtag #orangepeeltheory on the platform will produce hundreds of videos totalling close to 40 million views.

In one viral video, avid baker “Jennaskates” revealed how her chef boyfriend came home and surprised her with containers of separated egg whites.

“Just the other night when I was prepping buttercream, I was telling him how I hated separating the whites from the yolks,” she explained.

“My longer nails make it hard and that night I was repeatedly popping yolks. And this man took time to pre-separate the egg whites from the yolks for me.”

She added that she did not think her boyfriend had paid attention to her “little rant”, but said that she felt “seen” after his thoughtful gesture.

One top comment read: “He peeled your orange.”

Some social media users took the theory further by testing it on their loved ones, but a number of them may have ended up with a sour taste in their mouths.

In one video, TikTok user “urlocalgh0ull” claimed that she had asked someone “very dear” to peel an orange for her.

“He did (it) but with a heavy sigh and rolled eyes. So now I just peel my own oranges in silence to not bother anyone,” she wrote.

PRAWN PEEL THEORY

For Singaporeans, peeling prawns seemed to be a more appreciated show of affection instead.

In a street interview by Wekaypoh and FM987 DJ Avery Aloysius Yeo, several young people agreed that they would be willing to de-shell the cumbersome crustaceans as an act of love for their partner.

Some even admitted that they would “feel bothered” if their other half refused to do so.

The interviewees also suggested other manifestations of "orange peel theory", such as if their partners helped to carry their bags, tied their shoelaces or bought food for them.

When asked if the theory is a good gauge of a relationship and love, one male interviewee replied: “Just the little things to show that you love the person.”