What is the ‘ick’ and what can you do if you get it?

However, it’s likely come to your attention via Love Island, as fans suspect that Gemma Owen ‘has the ick’ with boyfriend Luca Bish.

In a previous season, ousted contested Priya Golpadas confided in pals that Brett Staniland (who she was coupled up with) gave her a case of ‘the ick’, while the term was also used by Liberty Poole.

But what is the ick, and does it automatically spell the end for your relationship?Here’s what you need to know.

What is the ick?

Dr Becky Spelman, psychologist and clinical director of Private Therapy Clinic, told The Independent: ‘The ick… applies to the sudden onset of the feeling that a person to whom one was previously attracted is suddenly unattractive to the point where physical contact seems revolting.’

Things that give people the ick vary, but they’re normally fairly inconsequential traits that unexplainably gross them out.

‘The ick’ typically occurs happens in the early stages of getting to know someone, rather than when you’re in an established relationship.

For example: you might be disgusted by someone you hardly know eating pickled onions, while somebody you love chowing down on them doesn’t impact you at all.

There’s no rhyme or reason to the ick, and it’s personal to everyone. It doesn’t need to make sense, but it can be a good indicator that you won’t gel with that person.

What to do if you have the ick?

That’s really up to you based on how much you feel it.

Are they otherwise a great person who make you laugh, treat you well, and are kind to those around them? Then it’s probably a little hasty to dump them over a Pulp Fiction poster in their bedroom.

But the ick could be an indication of a wider feeling. Do you find many things they do annoying or cringe?

If that’s the case, you might not have the level of respect you need for someone to make a relationship work.

Not only would it be unfair to yourself to continue something that isn’t right, but it’s unfair to them to be strung along with someone who’s embarrassed by their very personality.

And, FYI, telling someone they’ve given you the ick isn’t honest or up-front, it’s cruel. Keep that information to yourself and – if you are breaking up – break up with them gently and compassionately as possible.

There’s no doubt that you have habits that make people feel the ick and, as it’s something you do unconsciously, it would hurt tremendously to hear it from someone you like.

We’re all a little bit icky, let’s not be nasty about it too.

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