Is The Olive Theory Real? Everything You Need to Know

PDF download Download Article
Learn how How I Met Your Mother redefined dating
PDF download Download Article

The Olive Theory is a popular relationship theory that originated on the sitcom How I Met Your Mother . It states that if one person in a relationship likes olives and the other doesn’t, the relationship is compatible and meant to last. But is this theory true? In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about what the Olive Theory is, how it originated, and if it’s real. Plus, learn how to determine if you and your partner are compatible and learn about other popular relationship theories.

Olive Theory Meaning

The Olive Theory is a relationship theory from How I Met Your Mother that claims a relationship is compatible if one person likes olives and the other doesn’t. The theory gained popularity on TikTok for supporting the idea that opposites attract, though there is no supporting evidence behind it.

Section 1 of 6:

What is the Olive Theory?

PDF download Download Article
  1. The Olive Theory, originating in the sitcom How I Met Your Mother , states that if one person in a relationship likes olives and the other person doesn’t, they’re compatible. It’s meant to show that there’s balance in the relationship. [1]
    • The theory is likely based around olives because they’re a polarizing food; most people either really like them or really hate them.
    • In How I Met Your Mother , main character Ted Mosby believes in the Olive Theory because his friend Marshall hates olives and Marshall’s fiancée Lily loves them. Ted sees that they have a healthy relationship and wants one like it.
    • This is the version of the Olive Theory most people discuss on social media sites, like TikTok.
  2. In How I Met Your Mother , it’s later revealed that Marshall secretly likes olives and just told Lily he hated them because he was attracted to her. He continues to give her his olives throughout their relationship. This is another version of the Olive Theory—that relationships come with give-and-take and sacrifice, even if it’s something as small as sharing your olives with the one you love. [2]
    • This version of the Olive Theory shows more of the true reason that Lily and Marshall are so compatible. It’s not because one likes olives and one doesn’t, but because one is willing to give up something they like so the other person can enjoy it.
    3. Advertisement
Section 2 of 6:

Is the Olive Theory real?

PDF download Download Article
  1. While the Olive Theory is a fun way to test if opposites attract , it probably isn’t the best idea to base a real relationship off of it. There are many more important factors to compatibility than whether or not you and your partner enjoy the same foods. So, don’t worry—your relationship isn’t doomed just because both of you like olives. [3]
    • The “real” Olive Theory (aka the ability to compromise) is important in relationships because it shows that you’re willing to make sacrifices for your partner’s benefit. Compromising builds trust, promotes empathy, and helps resolve conflict, which in turn strengthens your overall bond as a couple.
Section 3 of 6:

Why do people love the Olive Theory?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Because the Olive Theory is such a well-known part of pop culture, many people choose to apply it to their own relationships. Whether this works in their favor or not, they can then share their thoughts with people who have had similar experiences, which in turn, may allow them to understand their relationship better.
    • Plus, it’s a fun way for people to get to know their partner’s likes and dislikes.
    • The Olive Theory and similar "rules" may also give people a sense of certainty in their relationships or quest for true love, which can be reassuring, even if the theory isn't totally accurate.
    2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 6:

How to Tell if You and Your Partner Are Compatible

PDF download Download Article
  1. While it’s nice if you and your partner enjoy the same music, food, and other interests, there are bigger factors in determining your compatibility. It’s usually important for partners to share similar views on things like family, religion, politics, and general life and world views. Make sure you and your partner are on the same page so it doesn’t lead to tension down the line. [4]
    • It’s up to you to decide what’s important for you and your relationship. For example, having shared religious views may be important to one couple and not important at all to another.
  2. In a healthy relationship , both you and your partner should feel safe speaking up. You shouldn’t feel like you’re walking on eggshells or that you have to hide your feelings from your partner. Let them know when something’s bothering you and listen to your partner’s concerns so you can work together to solve problems. [5]
    • For example, if you actually really like olives but your partner thinks you hate them, it’s okay to tell them the truth. This applies to more important issues, as well.
    • To communicate better in a relationship , remember to use “I” statements when talking about your feelings toward a situation. This helps you to avoid placing the blame on your partner.
    EXPERT TIP

    Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW

    Psychotherapist
    Kelli Miller is a Psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, California. Kelli specializes in individual and couples therapy focusing on relationships, depression, anxiety, sexuality, communication, parenting, and more. She is the author of “Love Hacks: Simple Solutions to Your Most Common Relationship Issues” which details the top 15 relationship issues and 3 quick solutions to each. She is also the award-winning and best-selling author of “Thriving with ADHD”. Kelli co-hosted an advice show on LA Talk Radio and was a relationship expert for The Examiner. She received her MSW (Masters of Social Work) from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Sociology/Health from the University of Florida.
    Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
    Psychotherapist

    Honesty and vulnerability are key for long-term compatibility. You have to really sit with that discomfort if you're feeling upset, and then communicate it to your partner. It helps if you have the same interests, but when push comes to shove, we really need to be okay with having those uncomfortable conversations.

  3. It’s great to have common interests in a relationship, but odds are, you’re not going to agree on everything. And that’s okay! Remember that you and your partner are both individuals who have the freedom to be yourselves . When you’re compatible, you won’t feel the need to change each other. [6]
    4. Advertisement
Section 5 of 6:

The Olive Theory in How I Met Your Mother

PDF download Download Article
  1. In the pilot episode of this popular sitcom, the main character Ted believes that if one person in a relationship likes olives and the other doesn’t, it’s a sign that they’re compatible. He believes this because his friend Marshall hates olives while his fiancée, Lily, loves them. Ted applies the Olive Theory to his own love life, testing it out when he goes on dates. [7]
    • In the episode, Ted goes on a first date with Robin and believes he will marry her because she doesn’t like olives and he does.
    • However, it is then revealed by their friend Barney that Marshall doesn’t actually hate olives and just pretends so he can give his to Lily.
  2. While Ted and Robin date for a while, they eventually break up. Later on in Season 9, it’s revealed that Robin has changed her mind and now likes olives. This gives Ted hope that her feelings toward him may also change, which is eventually confirmed in the series finale when they finally get together. [8]
    3. Advertisement
Section 6 of 6:

Other Relationship Theories

PDF download Download Article
  1. The Orange Peel Theory is a relationship theory popularized by TikTok that states if a partner is willing to do small acts of service (like peeling an orange) for you, it’s a sign you have a healthy relationship. People would post videos asking their partner to peel an orange to see if they’d do it or question why the other person couldn’t peel it themselves. [9]
  2. The Invisible String Theory is the idea that everyone is connected to their soulmate (be it platonic or romantic) by an invisible string that ties them together before they even meet. The idea is that you’re fated to meet your soulmate at the right time. [10]
  3. The idea of the Bird Test is that if you point out something seemingly insignificant, like a bird outside the window, and your partner responds with genuine interest, the relationship will likely last. This is because your partner takes interest in things that interest you, even if it isn’t something they’d normally care about. [11]
  4. The February Theory is another theory popularized by TikTok which states that most relationships start or end in February. Many who believe in this theory claim that you’ll fall for someone unexpectedly or an ex will suddenly come back into your life during that month. [12]
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • While testing the Olive Theory can be fun, remember there’s no proof behind it. Don’t let this be the deciding factor of whether you want to date someone or not.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Kiss
      How to
      Turn on a Guy
      How to
      Impress a Girl with Words
      100+ Loving, Funny & Appreciative Birthday Wishes for Your Girlfriend
      What Are the Bases in a Relationship? Defining the Baseball-Sex Metaphor
      How to
      Tell if Your Girlfriend Is Horny: 12 Signs She's Turned On
      100+ Good Morning Texts for Her (& Other Ways to Make Her Smile)
      How to
      Make a Girl Feel Special Through Text
      Celebrate Your One Month Anniversary with These Sweet Messages
      Questions to Ask a Girl to Increase Intimacy
      11+ Heartfelt Messages to Make Your Girlfriend Feel Appreciated
      Signs Your Ex Will Eventually Come Back
      15 Sweet and Romantic Stories to Tell Your Girlfriend
      The 25 Best (and Spiciest) Drinking Games to Play as a Couple
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.elle.com.au/culture/news/tiktok-olive-theory-explained-28934/
      2. ↑ https://www.thelist.com/1217947/does-how-i-met-your-mothers-olive-theory-hold-up-in-irl-relationships/
      3. ↑ https://www.elle.com.au/culture/news/tiktok-olive-theory-explained-28934/
      4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/fixing-families/202302/7-questions-to-help-you-know-if-youre-compatible
      5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/fixing-families/202302/7-questions-to-help-you-know-if-youre-compatible
      6. ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/signs-of-compatibility/
      7. ↑ https://www.looper.com/1453063/olive-theory-himym-real/
      8. ↑ https://www.looper.com/1453063/olive-theory-himym-real/
      9. ↑ https://theeverygirl.com/orange-peel-theory/
      1. ↑ https://mashable.com/article/invisible-string-theory-dating-tiktok
      2. ↑ https://www.simplypsychology.org/bird-test-predict-relationship-satisfaction.html
      3. ↑ https://thetab.com/2023/02/14/february-theory-tiktok-cuffing-season-294761

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 170 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement