“This ick” is a widely used term in pop culture referring to the varying levels of disinterest, cringeness or disgust a person suddenly develops towards someone else – usually a romantic partner.

While the ick is often referenced in a light-hearted context, it can be a troubling phenomenon for those who suddenly lose all interest in a person for no apparent reason.

The ick can manifest in many different ways. However, it often involves a feeling of discomfort, irritation, embarrassment and/or repulsion towards interacting with a person or the thought of them.

Doubts usually build up over time or can develop from interactions that are obviously negative. On the other hand, the ick seemingly comes out of nowhere and can stem from something superficial.

The ick can occur at any point of a relationship as you learn new things about your partner’s behavior or values. However, it most commonly occurs while you get to know them in the beginning stages.

Frequently feeling the ick towards someone you previously liked could be the result of an avoidant attachment style. This attachment style entails hesitancy towards commitment or intimacy.

This gut reaction could be telling you that someone is a yellow/red flag to avoid or it could just mean you aren’t interested in them, which is ok.

However, getting rid of the ick is possible through honesty with your partner about what you are feeling and why you may be feeling that way (i.e. insecurity, attachment style, etc.).

Speaking with a therapist, reflecting on your feelings through journaling or communicating with friends and family are also ways you can improve your experience with getting the ick.

Click the link below for a quick lesson in attachment styles.