TikTok’s Relationship Tests are Taking Over But Do They Really Work?

On your TikTok “For You” page, someone is trying the Bird Theory (“If he notices what excites you, he’s emotionally tuned in”).

Another person swears by the Door Test as proof of whether or not your partner is selfish. Then there’s the Orange Peel Theory, which claims peeling fruit for your partner is the ultimate act of love.

Psychologically, this tests what experts call “bids for connection.” Those small moments when we reach out to our partners for attention and emotional connection.

These videos rack up millions of views. But if you scroll long enough, you’ll notice they’re not really about love. They’re about validation. Here are the relationship tests taking over TikTok.

The Bird (Test) Theory

@spellmxo @Fawz #birdtheory #brothers #foryou #mxo ♬ original sound – mxo✨

It’s simple. You mention something small but fun to you, like a bird flying by. If your partner doesn’t acknowledge it, TikTok says they’re emotionally unavailable.
You may as well break up and enter the dating pool. If they ask you about the bird and are tuned in, they are a green flag and for keeps.

This is based on a 1990s psychology study that suggests that small moments of shared attention (“Look, a bird!”) reveal emotional connection.

The Door Test

@retrosspection Replying to @gerhardkipk the life lessons from this movie >>> #bronxtale #90s #1990s #90smovies #60s #1960s #ionlyhaveeyesforyou #theflamingos #robertdeniro #tarallhicks #lillobrancato #chazzpalminteri #interracialcouple #interraciallove #bestscene #romance #60smusic #cinema ♬ original sound – retrosspection

Since the resurfacing of the 1993 film A Bronx Tale on TikTok, the Door test has become popular.

This test measures how thoughtful and considerate your partner is, specifically whether they make small, caring gestures (like opening a door) that show attention, respect, and effort in the relationship.

In TikTok terms, it’s seen as a quick way to gauge chivalry, attentiveness, and emotional awareness. Basically, whether your partner naturally looks out for you without being told.

If you pass, you are chivalrous or feminine. If you fail, you’re selfish and self-absorbed. You don’t deserve love and should be by yourself till the end of time.