---

Have you ever been with someone and felt immediately turned off by a certain action that they did? For Joanne from “Nobody Wants This,” the disgust was more than evident when her boyfriend Noah went to great lengths during her family’s impromptu get-together. The episode was dedicated to showcasing the meaning of getting the ick, as well as how to handle it.

What Exactly is the Meaning of Getting the Ick?

Getting the ick means you suddenly feel like you lost attraction to someone you’re romantically involved with because of something they did. The result is quite similar to cringing, sudden repulsion and feeling turned off.

The ick is also a little different from red flags. Actions like rushing into relationships or taking advantage of your weaknesses are negative experiences that indicate toxic behavior. Some people often use both terms interchangeably, but the ick is more of a pet peeve rather than a legitimate sign of toxicity.

The ick could be as silly as your partner eating pineapples on pizza when you dislike it. It is possible that the ick could indicate deeper problems between you and your partner, but it depends on the situation and your dynamic.

Breaking Down “Nobody Wants This” Episode 6

“Nobody Wants This” is a wonderful rom-com series on Netflix. It follows the emotional journey of an agnostic sex podcaster and a rabbi getting into a relationship.  The show was renewed for a second season, so there’s so much more to come from the show.  

The sixth episode of “Nobody Wants This” is entitled “The Ick.” Kristen Bell’s character Joanne invites Noah, portrayed by Adam Brody, to get to know his sister better. However, with the late announcement of her parents’ arrival, along with the dad’s old boyfriend, Noah suddenly excuses himself to prep himself and get flowers. 

It is natural to want to turn on the charm and make a good impression on your girlfriend’s family. However, Joanne dislikes Noah when he shows up with sunflowers with the longest stalks, calls his blazer a “sports coat”, and says “Prego” with a faux Italian accent. She even looks repulsed when he kisses her after those series of actions.

Joanne later clarifies that she still likes Noah even after the ick, but she is already contemplating breaking things off since she can’t see putting those actions behind her. Luckily, her boyfriend confronts her freaking out, affirming he just wanted to impress them and recognizing her self-sabotaging by putting those negative perceptions before their relationship.

At the end of the episode, the couple realizes they both really like one another and that whatever had given them the ick was small compared to what they have. They even joke about the sports coat and accent at the end of the conversation. 

The show’s creator, Erin Foster, talks about her meaning of getting the ick. She notes how women tend to panic when they get into a healthy relationship after a string of toxic partners. Hence, when they see even minuscule flaws, the thought of not liking them anymore and breaking things off becomes more prominent.

Is the Ick Normal in a Long-Term Relationship?

Yes, you could get the ick in a long-term relationship and it is normal. Most people usually cringe during the earlier parts such as the talking and courting stage. However, that’s mainly because you’re getting a lot of information about your partner during those periods. In long-term relationships, you know so much about the person you’re dating.

However, you could still learn new things about your partner as time goes on. Joanne and Noah have been seeing each other for quite a while before the ick suddenly occurred. The person you’re attracted to may also undergo changes that could manifest into experiences you may not be too much of a fan of later down the line. 

Other Examples of the Ick

The ick manifests in all sorts of ways. Some people might disagree with your views, as what you’re aversive to might be what people find attractive about others. However, to give you an additional idea of what may be a turn-off, here are a few examples of the ick:

• Hopping on random online trends: Watching your partner create their green line tests or making one of those lip-sync videos? Doing way too many of the trends can cause such an indescribable distaste from some people. Some people also loathe explaining it to their circle of friends and family. 

• Believing in star signs: Figuring out whether your star signs match and what your horoscope for the day may seem fun. However, about 51% of Americans don’t believe in astrology. Some people dislike when that’s what people base a relationship’s compatibility and other aspects of life over. 

• Getting too into sports: It’s natural to be a fan of basketball, football and many other sports. However, some people have a few pet peeves. For instance, they don’t like referring to a sports team as “we” like they are involved in the game. You may also dislike when people wear their jerseys during the off-season. 

Getting Over the Ick

Now that you know the meaning of getting the ick, it’s time to figure out how to overcome it. Many people, including the main characters of “Nobody Wants This”, assume there’s no moving forward with their partner once they feel sudden disgust. However, it is possible to just get over it and continue the relationship when both people want to make it work.

Here are a few steps to consider:

• Consider a cool-off: A cool-off is ideal if the ick and other small issues start to cause resentment but you feel unsure of what’s specifically bothering you. You get to take a break from those feelings and reassess what specific points are making you feel the way that you do. You also get to evaluate your relationship.

• Talk with your partner: Joanne and Noah defeated the ick because they communicated their feelings to one another. Try to do the same with your partner and explain why you felt a certain way. If they’re the one they will at least try to understand your feelings. 

• Laugh about it: Once you and your partner have ironed things out, try to take things easy. You could even joke and laugh about the situation. Making light of the situation shows you are putting your relationship first. 

Come to Terms with Getting the Ick

Figuring out the meaning of getting the ick can help you stay one step ahead of your surprise disgust. If you’ve already gotten it and you feel uncertain about it next, just know Joanne and Noah decided to still pursue their relationship. Don’t throw away what you have, especially if it’s more important than what you’re aversive to.