Relationship icks: Are the irritating moments deal breaker red flags or just something to laugh about?

Relationship icks are those moments when you cringe at your partner’s behaviour.

It can be anything from chewing too loudly to making problematic ‘sigma chad’ jokes. These icks lie on a spectrum, sometimes, you find the quirks endearing; other times, a sliver of doubt clouds your mind at the hint of possible incompatibility. Questions arise at this crossroads.

Are these icks just a phase, something that gradually grows over you, or do they worsen over time, putting your mental health at risk and forcing you to compromise and adjust? It is important to identify the difference whether the ick is just a casual irritation or a big red flag.

Relationship Expert for Tinder in India said, “Relationship ‘icks’ are those subtle turn-offs that can quickly dampen attraction. For example, a generic bio or constant phone-checking might trigger an ‘ick’, a recent Tinder in-app survey found that 41%1 of young female users dislike clichéd bios, while 36% value undivided attention on a date. An ‘ick’ can be subjective – it could be commonly accepted like poor hygiene or uncommon like an uncommon food habit. Though they may seem minor, these ‘icks’ reflect personal preferences and boundaries that shape one’s dating choices.”

But is ick a medically recognised condition? No, it is more of a social and psychological phenomenon, shaped by personal preferences and pop cultural influences.