The 'ICK' - what is it and should you worry about it?

-

 If you are anything like me you will have seen an influx of videos on your TikTok page about people’s ‘icks’. 

But what is an ick?


Ick is an informal word that can mean something gross or disgusting, but the most recent definition is used to describe the feeling when someone you fancy does something that causes them to be suddenly unattractive. The Urban Dictionary definition states it is “something someone does that is an instant turn-off for you, making you instantly hate the idea of being with them romantically.”

These can range from the smallest actions that people might not even be aware of to the way they dress. What is one person’s ick might be another’s favourite thing about someone, it is entirely personal and some people don’t even realise they have a dislike towards things until they experience their partner doing it.

People have reported some extremely normal and everyday actions as an ick – this just shows how each person is different. It can be as small as the way they text (emojis they use, the slang and flirting techniques). Check out this page for some more in-depth examples from people. 


How do I know if I feel it?

The ick feeling usually manifests itself as feelings of cringe, awkwardness, embarrassment, or discomfort.

These feelings can take some time to develop, they might not appear straight away – this could be a sign that the attraction is fizzling out. You might have ignored these things at the start. Dr Spelman describes how it could be due to your unconscious mind overlooking incompatibilities but eventually, they will pop up in your conscious mind.




What do you do now?
An ick is such a personal phenomenon that there isn’t one answer that will fit all? Instead, there are some things you should consider before doing anything:

·         How strong is the ick?
·         Is there more than one thing giving you the ick?
·         How long have you known them?
·         Is it a hint of how you really feel?

There is nothing wrong with having these feelings, there is nothing wrong with admitting the person you are talking to probably won’t make the best long-term partner if the small things they do make you feel the ick. You will find someone who is perfect for you – don’t worry. 

But it is important to understand these feelings and not to put the blame on the other person, they may not be experiencing these feelings or even aware that something they do causes you to feel the ick, so please stay respectful if you decide to end things.

What if I give someone the ick?

If you have read through the examples, you will know that people get the ick over the most random encounters, they are impossible to predict. Don’t worry about them, just continue to be yourself. If someone claims, you give them the ick then they are clearly not the one for you (also rude of them if they point them out and make you feel bad).


What has given you the ick? 
Leave a comment and let me know!


Links to more information:

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=ick
https://metro.co.uk/2021/08/20/what-is-the-ick-and-what-can-you-do-if-you-get-it-15123408/
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/love-sex/got-the-ick-meaning-love-island-b1904060.html
https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/the-ick-meaning



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

New Blog

-
Image
 Hello there! Welcome to my new blog - allow me to introduce myself. I am a psychology student who has become fascinated by the psychology of dating, this blog is my space to share everything I have learned with you all in the hopes of making the world of dating easier. This is a topic that I have somehow become an expert in, I have researched basically all areas of dating from speed dating to virtual dating. During this time I have learned a tonne of useful information that I hope will help anyone struggling to navigate the world of dating. So if you are interested in dating  - stick around! Follow along with my journey: Instagram LinkedIn
Read more

Speed Dating 101

-
Image
 Speed dating can seem like a scary idea at first!  Even though it is getting more popular there are still so many people who have never done it before. This post is here to answer any questions you might have about speed dating.  What do I wear? This is one of the most common questions we hear when people are about to go speed dating. It is normal to want to make a good impression so naturally, we want to dress our best. Some worry that they will be overdressed and feel silly or worry they look too casual compared to everyone else.  My top tip is to be YOU. Do not worry about what other people are wearing (90% of other people will also be thinking the same as you!), wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable no matter what. You will feel so much better on a date when you are feeling confident in what you are wearing. If that means getting dressed up full glam or wearing something more casual, then do what is best for you!  Your date will appr...
Read more

More than one way to be funny: What are the different humour styles?

-
Image
    We all know what it means to be funny or be someone with a good sense of humour, but did you know there are different styles of humour? There are a lot of skills that are needed to show off your sense of humour; you need the ability to create and remember jokes, enjoy humorous materials, and the behaviour to amuse others and laugh with others too. However, humour is not only used to amuse and entertain. It can also be used as a way to cope or a defence mechanism. In 2003, researchers designed a questionnaire (The Humor Styles Questionnaire; HSQ) which can let you know how you use humour. There are 4 distinct types of humour, and you might find you relate to more than one of these styles in your daily life. There 4 types include: Affiliative People who use this type of humour often use it for the benefit of being funny for others, they aim to entertain those around them with jokes, banter, and laughter. It has also been known to help friendships and relationships develop. T...
Read more