They say, “Beauty will save the world.” It might. But it’s unlikely to save a relationship. Sure, appearance can serve as bait at first, especially in the first few minutes of a relationship. But then, real life begins. And neither cheekbones, nor eyelashes, nor an emerald dress will help if a woman’s behavior arouses inner disgust in a man. Not irritation, but that invisible “something” that instinctively makes him recoil.

Some habits devalue beauty so much that a man seems to no longer notice it. And a woman seems to have it all—figure, face, even heels—and yet he wants to leave her. Why?

1. Ridiculous laughter… or the complete absence thereof

Laughter is a subtle matter. It’s a litmus test that reveals whether there is a connection. We only laugh with someone with whom we feel free. Man is no exception.

Many people underestimate the importance of hitting the mark for male jokes. There’s no need to burst out laughing, but a genuine, discreet smile is a sign: “I heard you. I understand.” If there’s deathly silence from the other party, or worse, a strained, forced, and “scripted” laugh, it’s over. Falseness irritates the nerves.

Jerry Seinfeld: “Laughter is the applause of the mind.”

Excessive laughing is just as bad: when a woman laughs not at the joke, but out of habit, just to please herself. And it shows.

Laughter, like tears, must be earned. It’s a matter of emotional closeness. A lasting relationship between people who don’t find the same things funny is nearly impossible.