The Ketchup Theory: A Relationship Test Based on Cleaning Habits

Have you ever wondered how compatible you are with your partner when it comes to cleaning? Do you have different standards or preferences for how to deal with a messy kitchen? If so, you might want to try the ketchup challenge, a viral social media trend that claims to reveal something about your relationship based on how you or your partner clean up a spill of ketchup.

What is the ketchup challenge?

The ketchup challenge is a simple experiment that involves squirting some ketchup on the kitchen counter or a table, and then asking your partner to clean it up. The idea is to observe how they react and how they wipe the ketchup off the surface. The challenge is based on the ketchup theory, which is a compatibility test that assumes that men and women have different ways of cleaning, and that this reflects their level of emotional maturity and willingness to follow instructions.

The ketchup theory was born from a video originally using hot sauce and shared online on Dec. 26, 2023, after TikTok user Katherine posted a video of her fiancé attempting to clean up the mess with only a paper towel. The video garnered a strong reaction online, as many viewers commented that the fiancé did a poor job of cleaning, and that he should have used a spray cleaner or a wet cloth to remove the residue. Some even suggested that this was a sign of a deeper problem in their relationship, such as a lack of respect or communication.

Since then, many other couples have tried the ketchup challenge, with varying results. Some partners have passed the test by cleaning the ketchup thoroughly and efficiently, while others have failed by smearing it around, leaving stains, or refusing to do it at all. Some have even turned the challenge into a prank, by squirting more ketchup on the counter while their partner is cleaning, or by pretending to be angry or upset by the mess.

What does the ketchup challenge say about your relationship?

While the ketchup challenge may seem like a harmless and fun way to test your partner’s cleaning skills, some experts warn that it may not be the best indicator of your relationship quality. According to Dr. Carla Marie Manly, a clinical psychologist and author of The Joy of Imperfect Love, the ketchup challenge is unlikely to correlate with your partner’s overall ability to manage other aspects of their lives in healthy ways. She says that it is natural to unconsciously test your partner in a relationship, especially during the getting-to-know-you stage, but if you do it consciously and regularly, it can be a sign of passive-aggressiveness, a fear of open communication, or potentially controlling behaviors.

Dr. Chloe Carmichael, another clinical psychologist and author of Nervous Energy, agrees that these social media tests are not an effective way of assessing your relationship. She says that instead of relying on these superficial and arbitrary challenges, you should focus on more meaningful and direct ways of communicating with your partner, such as expressing your needs, listening to their feedback, and resolving conflicts in a respectful and constructive manner.

FAQs

Q: What is the ketchup theory on TikTok? A: The ketchup theory is a compatibility test based on how men and women clean up a spill of ketchup on the kitchen counter or a table. It is the basis of the ketchup challenge, a viral social media trend that involves observing your partner’s reaction and cleaning method.

Q: How do you do the ketchup challenge? A: To do the ketchup challenge, you need to squirt some ketchup on the kitchen counter or a table, and then ask your partner to clean it up. You then record their response and post it online, or simply watch how they handle the situation.

Q: What does the ketchup challenge reveal about your relationship? A: The ketchup challenge is supposed to reveal something about your relationship based on how your partner cleans up the ketchup. Some people believe that this reflects their level of emotional maturity, willingness to follow instructions, and respect for you and your home. However, some experts caution that this is not a reliable or valid way of measuring your relationship quality, and that you should focus on more direct and meaningful ways of communicating with your partner.