Dating expert explains the science behind viral new 'olive theory' trend

The 'Olive theory' trend circulating on TikTok is inspiring people to dive into a whole new approach to dating.

If you're done with Tinder, Bumble and Hinge - have tried Feeld or whatever other apps are now in existence - and have nearly given up on any hope of finding your perfect match completely, look no further.

How about a dating approach which stems from the iconic sitcom How I Met Your Mother? That sounds much more like it.

And if a relationship expert doesn't think the theory is simply just 'a funny TikTok trend' then maybe you should listen in and give it a chance too.

Now, TikTok is known for all sorts of wacky and wild trends, but the 'olive theory' didn't stem from the app itself, but Hulu series How I Met Your Mother.

In the show, Lily (Alyson Hannigan) doesn't like olives but Marshall Eriksen (Jason Segel) does and Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) resolves this is why their relationship with another works so well.

Why? Because they're two sides of the same coin, opposites attract... you get the gist.

TikTokers certainly agree with the theory, the hashtag 'olive theory' widespread on the platform - but what does a relationship expert think?

Hulu

Director of Relationship Science at Hinge, Logan Ury, explains the trend may seem like just a bit of a craze but does actually 'encourage a deeper exploration of your personal dating parameters'.

Ury continues to tell ELLE Australia: "It's time to challenge this by going on a date with someone you wouldn't typically say yes to. You may be surprised by who you end up falling for.

"A scientist uses the scientific method. They come up with a hypothesis and they test it. They're open to their hypothesis being proven correct or incorrect. In other words - they're open to being wrong. And you can do the same with dating."

Hulu

Ury urges people to widen their horizons when it comes to who they think they want to date or end up with.

The relationship expert also notes a solid relationship doesn't always being with 'fireworks' and it can sometimes take longer to develop - a 'slow burn'.

"Give someone a chance to open up," she says.

It shouldn't matter as much what a person looks like or how quick off the bat they are with making you zing inside, if they make you relaxed, but energised, listened to you but also make you laugh - it's how they make you feel in across the whole of the date and in the long run which truly matters. Consistency is key my friends.

Hulu

The 'Olive theory' has subsequently encouraged people to go on dates and consider romantic relationships with people who aren't their typical 'type'.

Ury resolves: "Maybe you believe you should only be with one type of person, perhaps you think you're too busy to date, or maybe you think you can't date someone who likes olives.

"I want you to test your assumptions by running experiments. Perhaps the results will surprise you."

I may have dropped science swiftly after GCSE, but this is an assessment I could definitely get behind.