The ick: dating, disgust and evolutionary psychologyThe ick: dating, disgust and evolutionary psychology
All In The Mind
Have you ever experienced "the ick"? It's that sudden, visceral feeling of being put off by someone you're dating. Maybe it's their hat, a hobby or even the way they laugh. Stories of the ick are prolific online, but it leaves us with a question - what causes it? To separate red flags from disgust, we get into the psychology of the ick - why you might feel icky, if it should be a deal breaker, and what it says about your own attachment style. If you want to hear more about dating and psychology, check out our episode The false promise of love languages.
29:06•8 Mar 2025
Understanding 'The Ick' in Modern Dating
Episode Overview
- Explore what 'the ick' is and why it happens.
- Understand how attachment styles influence feelings of disgust.
- Learn about the role of evolutionary psychology in mate selection.
- Hear humorous and relatable dating stories.
- Gain insights into how modern dating culture affects judgement.
“'It was like your body shrivels up into a little raisin. Like you're like this beautiful, fruitful plum and then you're just like...'”
Ever felt a sudden, gut-wrenching turn-off when dating someone? This episode of 'All In The Mind' dives into the phenomenon known as 'the ick'. Host Sana Khadar explores why seemingly trivial things, like the way someone wears a hat or laughs, can trigger such a strong reaction. Michaela shares her hilarious yet cringe-worthy dating stories, highlighting how minor quirks can make or break romantic prospects.
Clinical psychologist Adam Horvath and couples counsellor Jerry Karantzis shed light on the psychological and evolutionary reasons behind 'the ick'. They discuss attachment styles, gender norms, and how modern dating culture might be making us more judgemental. This episode is packed with humour and relatable anecdotes, making it a must-listen for anyone navigating the tricky waters of modern dating. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of your own dating deal-breakers and maybe even a laugh or two.
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