Banter Bites

Forget The Bar Of Soap. Don’t Slip On The Orange.

Shower essentials – soap, shampoo, and … an orange?!

BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: For Red, fad or no fad, eating an orange in a shower seemed silly; while for Black, she could argue both the pros and cons but needed more research.


Red assumed eating an orange in a shower was another one of those unusual challenges started on TikTok that went viral, so was surprised when Black explained it started on Reddit back in 2015. But it seemed harmless enough, although she wondered about slipping on the peels in the shower.

Black saw it as the power of social media to make something as basic as eating an orange into a viral sensation that went mainstream as even “The Guardian” wrote about it, complete with discussions about its pros and cons.

So, with a little eye-rolling, Red admitted she didn’t get it, but that may be because she’s never been a huge fan of oranges, but then looked at it from the perspective of a mom,

I love that eating oranges in the shower avoids sticky fingers and countertops and whatever else you touch, but … isn’t it a bit counterproductive as you still have to clean up all the orange peel and pits once you’re done with the shower?

Black, on the other hand, is a huge fan of sumo oranges, although she thought blood oranges might be a more amusing choice for the shower. Regardless, she had read where people claimed that eating an orange in the shower made them feel happy, and wondered if it was the aromatherapy aspects of the hot water mixing with the orange peels,

I typically use eucalyptus oil in the shower, but in the interest of “research”, decided to test drive the “shower orange”. And, in terms of whether I found a noticeable sensory benefit, all I will say is, try it for yourself. If you derive a feeling of happiness, or it just makes you smile, then … orange you glad you tried it?

Today’s a national holiday … for a reason. And although it may be a day of fun, festivities, and maybe even relaxation, it’s important to stop and think about the true meaning of the day …

We all “celebrate” Memorial Day differently, but we all should remember it’s a day to honor those who gave their lives serving this country.

BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: Memorial Day may be the unofficial start of summer, and Red remembers celebrating over the years with family get-togethers, barbeques, and pool parties; whereas Black “celebrates” most holidays by having a quiet day to work uninterrupted, but it’s important never to forget the significance of the holiday.

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If you’re looking for a reason not to mow, there’s logic behind letting it grow …

BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: As is often the case, Red hadn’t heard of the latest trend, “No Mow May,” which is all about lawn maintenance (or the lack of it) until Black started sending her articles about it.

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It’s hard to imagine one holiday celebrates … spring, women’s fertility, workers, and labor rights. But it shouldn’t surprise you that even though it dates back thousands of years, we each “dance around” different aspects of May Day.

If you’ve never thought about May Day, don’t worry, most of us haven’t.

BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: Red appreciates that some holidays have historical significance, some have ancient traditions, and some are opportunities for one of Black’s unexpected, but often amusing and clever, comments, but May Day checks all those boxes.

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