This blog explores "the ick" - that sudden, visceral feeling of revulsion that can instantly kill romantic attraction. It draws on research showing this disgust response evolved to protect against disease but now guides relationship compatibility. Women experience icks more often than men, with triggers like poor hygiene, bad manners, and social norm violations. While icks can protect against incompatible partners, they can also be defence mechanisms to avoid intimacy. The blog offers guidance on managing icks, stressing the importance of distinguishing between irritation and true incompatibility and treating icks as information, not absolute judgements.