Love can be thrilling, exciting, and deeply magnetic. But sometimes, that electric chemistry takes an unexpected turn. One moment you’re infatuated, and the next, you can’t stand the way they chew their food or say “cool beans.” That feeling, my friend, is the ick.
While it may sound funny, the ick is a very real and often jarring emotional response. It can sabotage a budding romance or create confusion in a long-term relationship. But what causes it, and can you move past it? This guide will break it all down.
Ick Meaning?
The ick is a visceral reaction of repulsion or discomfort toward someone you’re romantically involved with. It’s usually triggered by something minor or quirky a gesture, a voice tone, or even the way someone walks. Unlike deal-breakers or red flags, the ick isn’t necessarily rooted in logic or values. It just happens.
Psychologically, the ick may be your subconscious signaling a loss of attraction. While often temporary, it can also be a sign that you’re not as emotionally invested as you thought.
In short, the ick is your brain’s way of saying: “Nope, this isn’t it.”
The Ick in a Long-Term Relationship
Getting the ick early in dating is one thing, but what happens when it creeps in after months or even years together? This can be especially painful. You might start questioning the entire foundation of your relationship.
Here are common reasons it shows up in long-term dynamics:
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Emotional stagnation or growing apart
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Changes in physical attraction due to lifestyle or appearance
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Unspoken resentment or unresolved conflict
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Boredom or routine killing the spark
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Stress from external factors being misdirected at your partner
The key is to recognize whether the ick is just a passing phase—or a deeper sign that something in the relationship needs attention.
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Ick List for Guys
Let’s be real. Some behaviors can be surprising turn-offs to women, even if they seem harmless. Here’s a list of commonly reported icks that might help men reflect, not change who they are, but better understand modern dating nuances:
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Running with a backpack that bounces
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Using too many emojis (especially 🥺 or 😘)
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Being overly competitive in board games
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Loudly explaining something obvious in a group
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Clapping when a movie ends
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Commenting “first” on a public post
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Bragging about how many girls they rejected
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Dancing badly and confidently in public
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Taking mirror selfies with sunglasses indoors
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Drinking milk with dinner
These might sound petty, but attraction isn’t always rational. Small habits sometimes trigger a big emotional shift.
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Icks for Girls
Yes, women can give the ick too. Men often report moments where admiration flips to awkwardness, usually over minor habits or behavior mismatches.
Here are some examples:
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Constantly recording TikToks in public
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Laughing at her own joke before finishing it
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Talking non-stop about crystals and energy
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Taking too long to order coffee with 10 modifications
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Posting selfies with baby filters
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Crying over not enough likes on Instagram
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Saying “I’m just too much for most guys”
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Pretending to not understand basic sports rules for attention
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Making everything a competition with other women
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Insulting other girls while calling it “just being honest”
Again, these are subjective. Not everyone will get the ick from the same things, but being self-aware goes a long way.
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Is the Ick Always a Deal-Breaker?
Not necessarily. While the ick can feel overwhelming, it doesn’t always spell doom. Here are a few ways to explore whether it’s something you can overcome:
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Pause and observe: Did this happen after a stressful week or argument?
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Shift focus: Remind yourself why you were attracted to them in the first place.
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Communicate: If the ick is tied to behavior, open a non-judgmental conversation.
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Give it time: Sometimes, the ick fades on its own as feelings rebalance.
If you find that the ick persists and is joined by emotional detachment, it might be time to reassess the relationship honestly.
Can You Prevent the Ick?
While you can’t always control emotional responses, there are ways to reduce the likelihood of the ick surfacing too soon in a connection:
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Pace the relationship: Don’t rush intimacy. Let attraction grow naturally.
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Stay curious: Keep discovering new layers in each other.
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Prioritize self-care: A positive mindset helps manage emotional highs and lows.
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Avoid over-exposure: Too much time together too soon can amplify irritations.
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Be authentic: Trying too hard to impress often leads to cringe moments.
Dating isn’t about being perfect. It’s about finding someone whose imperfections you can laugh about, not cringe at.
How Hullo Helps You Date Without the Ick
What if you could match with people who align with your energy, lifestyle, zodiac sign, and communication style? That’s exactly what Hullo offers. Unlike generic swipe apps, Hullo uses machine learning and behavioral insight to create emotionally intelligent matches.
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Filter by zodiac signs, lifestyle habits, and values
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Let AI analyze your dating style and compatibility
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Customize your profile with an AI-generated bio
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Enjoy meaningful connections without the ick
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Getting the ick is more common than most people admit. It’s awkward, frustrating, and often misunderstood. But rather than viewing it as a flaw, try to treat it as emotional feedback. What you feel matters and what you do with those feelings matters even more.
Whether you laugh about it later or learn something valuable, the ick is just one part of the messy, magical experience of modern dating.
People Also Ask
What does it mean to get the ick?
Getting the ick means experiencing a sudden feeling of repulsion or discomfort toward someone you’re dating, often triggered by small or unexpected behaviors.
Is the ick a red flag?
Not always. While the ick can point to deeper incompatibilities, it’s often more emotional than logical. A red flag is usually based on harmful behavior, whereas the ick is more instinctive.
Can you get over the ick?
Yes, it’s possible to move past the ick, especially if it’s triggered by temporary factors like stress or overexposure. Self-reflection and communication can help clarify your feelings.
Why do people get the ick in long-term relationships?
The ick in long-term relationships often arises from emotional distance, routine boredom, or unresolved conflicts. It can signal the need to reconnect or reassess the relationship.
What are some funny ick examples?
Examples include clapping when a plane lands, chasing after a ping-pong ball, or saying “nom nom” while eating. These may seem trivial but can unexpectedly kill attraction.
