Check out our latest magazine... Read Online

From A Messy Home, To Poor Personal Hygiene And Other 'Icks': Singles Reveal Their Top Dating Turn-Offs

Tuesday, 10 January 2023 17:04

By (C) Sky News: Faiza Saqib, news reporter

Singles have revealed their top dating turn-offs in a new poll.

These so-called "icks" have led to breakups and heartbreak for many.

An "ick" is an expression of dislike or disgust towards something and it has now become a term heavily used, thanks to Twitter and Instagram alike.

A new poll, surveying 2,000 people, found that 65% of the responders called it quits with their partner because of something that turned them off.

Here are some of the biggest 'icks':

A messy home 

It was revealed that 21% said that a messy living situation is their number one ick.

Manners are everything 

Another 42% said they hated bad manners the most and that it was one of the biggest turn-offs in a relationship.

Hygiene is key 

The survey, which was carried out in the US by online dating service Seeking, also showed that 20% of daters said their biggest pet peeve was a date with dirty fingernails.

Body odour took the number one spot for the biggest hygiene ick, with 24% of people saying they would be turned off if their date smelled bad.

"People are very set on what they want, which is empowering," Seeking's dating expert Emma Hathorn said.

"The current trend at the moment is 'dating up', or finding someone who can elevate your lifestyle," Hathorn continued.

She added that when someone "dates up", their goal is likely to "not only be someone who can help their partner 'date up' - but find someone who can elevate their life at the same time".

The dating site found that 79% of people agreed that being a "picky dater" is a good thing and that many people feel that they deserve the best in a relationship.

20 things that give people the "ick"

  • Smelling bad

  • Pretending to be more knowledgeable about something than they actually are

  • Being overbearing and rude

  • Double texting (sending a secondary text if you've not responded after the first one)

  • Having bad teeth

  • Being rude to a waiter

  • Living in a mess

  • Having dirty fingernails

  • Chewing with their mouth open

  • Being too clingy

  • Talking too loud

  • Eating and talking at the same time

  • Being obsessed with their star signs

  • Having long fingernails

  • Putting on a baby voice

  • Wearing too much make-up

  • Breathing heavily

  • Oversharing on social media

  • Referring to themselves in third person

  • Having a bad tattoo

Sky News

(c) Sky News 2023: From a messy home, to poor personal hygiene and other 'icks': Singles reveal their top dat

More from Lifestyle

  • Five Highly Romantic Meals Perfect for Your Valentine

    Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to indulge in delicious, romantic meals that set the mood for love and intimacy. Whether you're planning a home-cooked dinner or a special surprise for your significant other, choosing the right dishes can elevate the experience. Here are five highly romantic meals that are perfect for your Valentine:

  • Five Fantasy Worlds We'd Love to See Become Theme Parks

    Theme parks have long been the ultimate escape, transporting visitors to magical realms and immersive adventures. While franchises like Harry Potter and Star Wars have already found their way into our favourite amusement destinations, there are still many beloved fantasy worlds that remain untapped. Here are five incredible fantasy settings that deserve their own fully realized theme parks:

  • Five Most Romantic Valentine’s Gestures From Europe

    Valentine’s Day is celebrated across the globe, but Europe, with its rich history and romantic traditions, offers some of the most heartfelt and unique gestures of love. From poetic gifts to centuries-old customs, these European Valentine’s traditions prove that romance knows no bounds. Here are five of the most enchanting Valentine’s Day gestures from across Europe:

  • Five Fabulous Foodie Places To Visit In February

    After the wellbeing focus in January, February is the perfect time to treat your taste buds. From bustling cities to serene countryside spots, here are five foodie destinations you won’t want to miss:

  • Five Fantasy Worlds We’d Love To Explore In Real Life

    For centuries, humanity has dreamed of stepping beyond the veil of the ordinary and into the extraordinary. Fantasy worlds, born from the minds of imaginative storytellers, offer tantalizing glimpses of what could be. From magical kingdoms to futuristic utopias, these fictional realms inspire awe, adventure, and wonder. Here are five fantasy worlds that we’d give anything to explore in real life: