Men Reveal Their Major 'Icks' in Dating: What Turns Them Off

September 21, 2023

Dating can be full of surprises, both good and bad. While we all hope to meet our perfect match, sometimes there are certain qualities or behaviors that instantly turn us off and make us want to end the date early. These dating turn-offs have become known as "icks" in recent years.

So men, what are some of your biggest icks when it comes to dating? We asked real guys to share their biggest dating dealbreakers and turn-offs. Here are some of the top responses:

Rude Behavior

One of the biggest icks for most men is rude behavior, whether directed at them or others around them. As one guy put it: "Being rude to me or others like service staff is an instant turn off and ick. How you treat people says a lot about you."

Examples of rude behavior on a date include:

  • Being dismissive or ignoring the waiter/waitress
  • Cutting people off mid-conversation
  • Making rude or vulgar comments
  • Acting entitled or superior to others

Treating your date and others with respect shows maturity and class.

Lack of Effort

Another common ick is when your date puts in little to no effort. "My biggest ick is lack of effort on dates. Please stop wasting my time if you aren't going to engage or try to get to know me," said one man.

Signs of low effort include:

  • Giving one-word answers to questions
  • Checking their phone constantly
  • Seeming bored and disinterested
  • Not asking you any questions about yourself

A quality date will feel like a two-way conversation as you get to know each other. Low effort dates feel more like a boring interview.

Materialism

Some men are turned off by women who seem overly materialistic or high-maintenance. "Any expectations of materialistic things in the 'getting to know you' stage is an ick and red flag for me," shared one dater.

Materialism can show up as:

  • Expecting expensive gifts and dates right away
  • Talking constantly about brands, shopping, and "stuff"
  • Seeming to care more about your income and possessions than getting to know you

While spoiling your partner can be fun, true connection comes from who you are, not what you buy them.

Poor Manners

Manners go a long way, and the lack of them can be an instant ick. "My biggest ick is bad manners - whether that's ordering food in a rude way, or poor etiquette around the dinner table," said one man.

Examples of poor manners while dining include:

  • Chewing with mouth open
  • Talking with food in mouth
  • Using phone at the table
  • Making a mess and not cleaning it
  • Motioning or snapping fingers at waitstaff

Minding manners shows you're considerate of those around you.

Oversharing Past Drama

Bringing up past relationships or drama on early dates is a common ick. "Talking bad about exes or going into too much detail about past relationships too soon is a red flag and ick for me," shared a dater.

Too much past talk can include:

  • Bashing exes and past flames
  • Oversharing intimate or private details
  • Venting about previous bad dates or relationships
  • Making comparisons between you and their exes

The past is the past - it's best to stay focused on getting to know each other in the present moment.

What are your biggest dating icks and turn-offs? Let us know in the comments! The more we share, the better we can avoid those awkward dating moments.

Source: Reddit

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