The Pickle Relationship Theory

For as long as human history goes back, we been looking for answers to the many mysteries of love and relationships. Do we really have one true soulmate? What is the secret to a long lasting relationship? What should I do if my partner hates pickles but I love them?

Okay, maybe the last question wasn't being asked whilst the pyramids of Giza were being built, but for many of our fellow pickle heads, this is an important topic. Well, there's a theory on this - and it's been doing the rounds. "The Pickle Relationship Theory" has been circulating on social media for yonks now, and with valentines day around the corner, we thought it was prime time to dive deeper into what this dating theory is and whether there's any truth in it.

Let's start with the obvious question - what on earth is "Pickle Relationship Theory"? Well the theory goes that the ideal relationship dynamic is that two people with opposing tastes for pickles - where oner person is a pickle lover and the other passionate dislikes them, creating a relationship of perfect harmony as the pickle lover always gets the pickle haters gherkins, leaving both people happy. This theory has also been known as the olive theory, but that's not what we do here so we're ignoring that. 

So, where has this theory come from? Despite some rumours that a certain high street burger chain with a clown mascot created this as a marketing stunt, there is no clear origin beyond it's circulation across social media. Unfortunately despite our disagreement, surprisingly it's not a widely recognised theory by experts in psychology and relationship studies. Maybe if we sell enough pickling liquid, we'll fund a study into this incredibly underdeveloped theory of dating.  

On the surface of it, this is a totally bonkers way to decide on your partner's compatibility with you, but as most things that start out on social media and gain traction, we don't think it's supposed to be taken literally and actually, if you look it as an analogy, there's something to be said for it. Essentially, the core idea this theory shows is that "opposites attract" - where the "pickle" represents a strong passion that isn't shared between two partners. Of course, certain oppositions can be deal breaking, but in some instances, one partner's disdain for something can give the space for the other's passion to grow without risk of conflict. I'm sure we've all either seen or been in a relationship where people end up arguing more over the things they both love than anything else - what sofa to buy, which restaurant to eat at etc. But this theory points out, that harmony exists in the parts of us that differ.

The reality of it is, the theory might simplify something that shouldn't be simplified. Look, I'm really not qualified to talk about this and my relationship history would testify to that, but I think I can confidently say similarities matter AND differences matter. You have to have something in common, but it doesn't have to be pickles.

So, whether its pickles, olives or something a little more deep, don't write someone off purely because your opinions conflict on something. Just give them your pickle, see the smile on their face and rest easy with the fact that it's not on your plate anymore. 

Better yet, why not give them pickling liquid this valentines day? What could be more romantic? And if you're the pickle lover, well, you better get hinting.