A dating expert has revealed five major ‘icks’ men do that turn women off.
If you’ve ever been ghosted after what seemed like a promising online interaction, there might be a simple explanation.
According to Perth-based relationship coach and professional matchmaker Louanne Ward, certain male behaviors – known as ‘icks’ – can instantly extinguish a woman’s interest.
In a recent instagram post, Ward outlined five major turn-offs that cause women to lose attraction fast.
These aren’t just minor annoyances; they’re described as deal-breakers that can make a woman mentally ‘exit the chat.’
“These are things she can’t unsee,” Ward emphasized, warning that once spotted, these habits leave a lasting negative impression.
Even if a man has a great smile and holds a decent conversation, these unconscious behaviors may sabotage any potential connection.
1. Baby Talk
Engaging in cutesy talk – calling your partner ‘Mommy’ or mimicking cartoon voices – is a top offender.
While some may think it’s endearing, Ward firmly states: “It’s not cute. It’s cringey.” Far from charming, this kind of speech can feel infantilizing and awkward.
2. Tech Tantrums
Expressing frustration by yelling at a phone or aggressively handling technology is another major red flag.
Ward explains that such reactions don’t come off as passionate, but rather unstable.
“Pressure doesn’t feel safe,” she said, adding that without a sense of emotional safety, any spark will likely die quickly.
3. Overdone Selfies and AI Photos
Using heavily filtered selfies or artificial intelligence to generate an ultra-polished dating profile photo may seem like a strategy to impress, but it can backfire.
“She’s not swooning. She’s dry. You’re not mysterious. You’re just overedited,” said Ward, describing the effect as more off-putting than attractive.
4. Bad Table Manners
Poor hygiene at the dinner table is a major deterrent.
If you’re picking food out of your teeth with your fingernail mid-meal, it’s not just a lapse in etiquette – it can trigger a visceral sense of revulsion.
“It’s a primal repulsion,” Ward noted, stressing that the image is hard to forget.
5. The Fake Smoulder
Attempting to look sultry by licking lips or giving exaggerated ‘perfume-ad stares’ doesn’t come off as seductive.
Instead, Ward likened it to ‘auditioning for an off-brand aftershave commercial,’ and advised men to ditch the drama.
Ward has also cautioned singles about one commonly used phrase: “I haven’t met the right person yet.”
While it may sound innocent, she believes it’s a misleading narrative.
“Not because you’re lying, but because it’s the only explanation you’ve ever been given,” she said.In her view, this sentiment is often perpetuated by social norms rather than self-awareness. “You’re not waiting. You’re repeating,” Ward concluded.
