i peeled my own orange today
Lately, I’ve noticed the “orange peel theory” trending on social media, especially on TikTok. The theory suggests that if your partner peels an orange for you, it signifies their true and pure love. However, I believe it’s crucial to first learn how to peel our own oranges. Before we can love others completely and without hesitation, we must understand our worth and love ourselves.
With this, to the one who’s reading this, I hope you prioritize yourself first. Prioritize self-love. Peel your own orange. Be your own safe space. Sometimes, it’s okay to be independent and not rely on someone else to peel oranges for you. We are all bound to be alone at times and it’s okay.
Live yourself the same love you freely give to others. Peel your own orange and be kind to your soul. It may be hard at times, but do not depend on anyone else to do it for you. Take charge of your life. Make yourself the main character in your story. Romanticize your life and live it unapologetically.
However, this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t allow others who are willing to help peel our oranges. Perhaps that’s the essence of the Orange Peel Theory. While we are responsible for peeling our oranges, it’s perfectly fine to let others love us, to appreciate us. Love goes in both ways and is universal.
A better way to phrase it is that we are responsible for growing and protecting our oranges, but we may also allow others to help peel them, sharing the delight and success of a peeled orange. We must be gentle so as not to smash the pulp and lose the juice. It’s important to know how we like our oranges peeled and how others prefer theirs.
Before asking people to peel our oranges or peeling oranges for others, we must first learn how to peel them ourselves. I peeled my own orange today, but that doesn’t mean I’m not open to having someone help me peel it.
