How to Navigate Dating Icks
Ah, the infamous ick.
If you're dating in the modern world, you'll inevitably experience "the ick." Have you ever met someone who seems perfect on paper but does something that leaves you disgusted, holding you back from going further in the relationship? Whether they're rude to the waitstaff or simply have dirty fingernails, chances are you're experiencing an ick. In fact, TikTok is currently trending with hilariously, oddly specific icks of all varieties. If you find yourself in this position, don't throw out the relationship before you read this!
What Is an Ick?
An ick is a feeling you get when you catch someone you are dating doing something unappealing or gross, and in turn, you can't look at them the same way again. Once that image of them doing something disgusting embeds in your brain, it becomes too hard to shake. The ick usually happens in the talking stage of the relationship, where you are more attentive to their behavior to ensure they are the right choice for you.
Let's Unpack It
Some legitimate icks should be looked at more seriously, like being rude to waitstaff or being arrogant, and truthfully, dirty fingernails are also on that list. If your partner is mean to others or constantly boasting about themself, that is a telltale sign that you have a person with a questionable character on your hands.
Also read about: How I Navigate a Healthy Relationship After Leaving a Toxic One
Can You Recover From the Ick?
It really depends. Are you seriously considering breaking up with your partner after seeing them in a black cape and wet hair at the salon, looking like a baby in a bib? Maybe you caught them falling up the stairs, or thought they seemed awkward waiting to blow out their birthday candles while everyone sang. While all of these things could potentially give you the ick, they're by no means red flags, and are simply part of the human experience. While this may be hard to believe, if you do continue the relationship and fall deeper in love with this person, something that once gave you the ick might actually become one of their most endearing features. That's all on you.
@niki_patton my ✨ICKS✨ pls don't be offended i'm just a picky person #nikrant #icks #myicks #dating #crush #girls #relatable ♬ original sound – Niki Patton
Take a Deeper Look
When someone does something to look cool or attractive, and it fails, we can't help but feel turned off. We want the person we are dating to be effortlessly attractive and perfect. Once we catch glimpses of them being human or having any minor struggle, it can, unfortunately, bum us out. With that said, people will inevitably have food in their teeth or occasionally chew loudly, or even chase a ping pong ball. As cringe as it may be, we might just simply need to look past it. Also—if the two of you ever do break up, thinking about their icks can help you get over them faster—that we can guarantee.
(via Shutterstock)
Want to learn more about dating behavior? Click HERE for 7 signs you aren't actually into the person you're dating.