10 women reveal what gives them the 'ick'

You know that feeling of an instinctive recoil and an undeniable wave of aversion that washes over you, often without warning? In the complex world of dating, attraction can be built over time but crushed in an instant. That sudden repulsion is something almost everyone can relate to and is called the ick. It’s the sensation that washes over you the moment someone does something that suddenly makes them seem, well, unappealing. It’s hard to explain, but once you feel it, there’s no going back.

Curious about what can provoke “the ick”? We asked 10 women to share their experiences. Here’s what they had to say:

 

When they are low-key narci

For Sharva Kowli, it’s an immediate red flag when someone can’t share the stage. “Speaking over their friends and never circling back,” she says. “Just… no.” Because if he’s already acting like the main character, where do you fit in?

When they smell like stale pasta 

Rhea Coelho keeps it simple and direct: “BO!! Please wear antiperspirant. It’s not that hard.” Because here’s the thing: for all the talk about chemistry, nobody wants it to be literal.

When honesty doesn't exist in their universe

Then there are the little lies that start to add up. Aara Meherally says these are a one-way ticket to the ick. “Small white lies! And then excuses for why he had to lie.” Because if he’s spinning stories over the small stuff, what else could he be hiding?

When the concept of personal space is lost on them

Radha Subramaniam finds her ick alarm sounding whenever someone doesn't know how to maintain physical distance. “Standing super close and having no concept of personal space,” she says.

When they feel the need to...erm, mansplain

Leika Band summed hers up with one word every woman can relate to: “Mansplaining!!” A classic that needs no further explanation.

When they flex old money

And while confidence can be attractive, arrogance and entitlement? Not so much. Kavyaa Tandon says her ick takes over when she sees a guy “being ambitionless as a result of generational wealth and actually flexing that.”

When they are still stuck on their past

Simran Kuckian feels the ick kick in when a guy is still hanging on to the past — particularly if that past involves an ex. “Still being in touch with their exes,” she says. If he’s not fully moving on, then she’ll happily be the one to move along.

When they are a self-appointed career counsellor

Nothing quite sets off Ishika Jaisingh’s ick meter like a guy who tries to give her career advice. “When guys try to teach you/tell you how your job works without even being in the same field.” Because, seriously, sometimes a nod and smile would go a lot further.

When they have a superiority complex about their music taste

Music is personal, and Tiara Crasto can’t stand when someone judges hers. “Men who make fun of music tastes. You don’t like my music? Fine. But don’t be rude. Especially not about Taylor Swift.”

When someone is apolitical

Finally, Moksha Thukral keeps it short and clear: “Being apolitical.” Because if he can’t care about what’s going on around him, it’s tough to imagine caring too much about him either.

The “ick” is like a tiny, sassy best friend in the back of your mind, ready to tap you on the shoulder the moment something’s off. It’s the little voice reminding you that personal space is a right, not a privilege and that some things, like BO, are just non-negotiable. So, when the ick strikes, don’t ignore it. Take it as your cue to save yourself and run far, far away!

Lead image: Netflix

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