Spanish youth finds connection through code pineapple, here is what you need to know

Inan inclusive society which includes dating apps and various social media platforms, it’s still hard to find someone to love. TikTok has brought a new trend connecting singles through a pineapple. The ‘upside-down pineapple’ trick has become viral in Spain.

Spanish youngsters have been going to supermarkets with curiosity to meet someone by placing a pineapple upside down in their shopping cart, subtly signalling that they are open for a love interest.

If you see an upside-down pineapple, it shows that the person is available and interested in being approached. If someone wants to approach a person, they will have to bump that person with a cart. If the other person feels the same, they will bump back, and they go to the wine aisle for a chit-chat.

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Television star and humorist Vivy Lin played a significant role in making this a viral trend. She posted a video on TikTok where she was following the trend, pushing the shopping cart towards the wine section at a Mercadona store. “The time to hook up in Mercadona is 7 pm to 8 pm,” Lin said, as reported by BBC.

This sign gives a clear indication for potential suitors to engage in interesting conversation. It helps to avoid the usual awkwardness about approaching someone for the first time, which is almost a part of traditional dating culture.

This trend stands for breaking the traditional societal norms for indicating that you are open to being approached by a potential mate.

Aashmeen Munjaal, ontologist and mental health and relationship expert, said, “The digital mindset of expressing interest through subtle signs like likes, follows, etc., transfers into real-world scenarios, making indirect signals, like the upside-down pineapple, appealing for those hesitant about face-to-face approaches.”

According to Munjaal, the fear of being rejected plays an integral role in this trend’s popularity. “Indirect methods offer a buffer against the vulnerability of confrontation, allowing individuals to test the waters without risking personal embarrassment,” Munjaal said.

This method also provides an easier way to portray that you are interested, especially for those for whom communication is a difficult part. It’s a soft and subtle way to form a connection.