480: The Ick! Factor

In this episode, we dive into the psychology of “the ick”, that unsettling feeling when sudden attraction shifts to repulsion. In the Psychology Today article, The “Ick” Factor: The Science Behind Sudden Attraction Shifts, author Gary Lewandowski shared insights from the social media trend and George and Laurie break them down. We explore why seemingly small, annoying behavior can cause this drastic turn-off. We discuss why sometimes this can lead to breakups after just one unpleasant moment and better ways to communicate about the icks. We also touch on those that stand out for men and women and what gives our hosts the ick. Whether it’s a behavior that’s just too irritating or something that triggers deeper instincts, this episode shares the science behind why we suddenly can’t stand the person we were once so attracted to. Join us to find out what causes the ick and why it’s more common than you might think!

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