The term ‘ick’ in dating references a sudden, intense feeling of repulsion or disgust towards a romantic partner, which is often triggered by a specific action, behavior, or trait. Dating Coach Natacha Noël explains that this feeling typically arises when there’s a sudden loss of attraction, usually for no particular reason or logic. This can happen anytime, anywhere, and it’s often a seemingly random and illogical occurrence. Relationship coach and therapist Christie Kederian says the term was coined in the ’90s TV series Ally McBeal and has recently gained popularity on platforms like TikTok, where it’s used to describe a sudden loss of attraction in the dating process.

The ‘ick’ is highly personal and varies widely among individuals. What may trigger the ‘ick’ feeling in one person might have no effect on another. It is characterized by a feeling of repulsion that’s irrational and doesn’t necessarily need to be based on any logical reasoning. It’s also often something that one may not be aware of. According to therapist Christie Kederian, the ‘ick’ is sometimes caused by a decrease in initial hormones and neurochemicals that cause attraction. Once the ‘honeymoon’ phase is over and dopamine drops, flaws and weird mannerisms become more noticeable and less endearing, often leading to the ‘ick’ feeling.

It is important to distinguish between minor icks like annoying habits, and serious red flags such as disrespect or manipulation. Not all ‘icks’ are worth ending a relationship over. It’s advisable to look at the ‘ick’ as an early warning sign of a not working out romance, but it’s not necessarily a deal-breaker. However, if someone is getting the ‘ick’ feeling repeatedly, it might be worth analyzing whether they’re just looking for an excuse to get out of the relationship.

Overall, the ‘ick’ is not a relationship death sentence—especially if they happen early on in a relationship. Kederian argues that if one gets to know someone as a whole person, the initial irritations will eventually fade because the connection and love for a person override those minor annoyances. At the end of the day, it is important to be able to distinguish between harmless quirks, which could be overlooked, and serious red flags that should be addressed.

As relationships are an intrinsic part of life and sometimes complex, it could be beneficial to seek professional help to navigate these situations. Websites like eddcaller.com offer such services. They help individuals to establish better communication strategies and navigate any concerns and issues related to their relationships.