Over the last 10 years or so, there has been a rising epidemic of fuckboys.

They have infiltrated our bars, our parties, causing heartbreaks and tears for women everywhere. The fuckboy in his natural habitat can easily be recognized by the following telltale signs. Remember ladies, as soon as you catch on to the fact that you’re engaging with a fuckboy, turn the other way and RUN.

Otherwise, you’ll risk spending the next 2 weeks crying, eating ice cream, and resisting the urge to send him incessant text messages calling out his fuckboy ass.

1. He’s charming, cool, and a smooth-talker.

A fuckboy always knows how to talk to the ladies, and why wouldn’t he? A fuckboy is always simultaneously talking to multiple girls, at least 2 but sometimes as many as 5 or 6. He’s dominant in his pursuit and makes sure to butter you up with endless compliments. All that flattery is to boost your ego and weaken your defenses, so that he can swoop in and make his fuckboy moves. Beware: fuckboys love to flock the dating apps, as they allow them easy access.

2. He knows how to dress well.

The fuckboy is always impeccably dressed and exudes a confident swagger. His immaculate appearance is part of his charm; how couldn’t you fall for someone that looks that good?

3. He's at the bar or at the club every single weekend.

Fuckboys tend to lurk at bars and clubs, constantly eyeing out their next bait. They have major FOMO if they miss out on a chance to party. Being the opposite of low-key, a fuck boy won’t kick it with you unless Netflix is going to include the “chill”.

4. Their only texts to you are invites to go out partying or late night texts.

Fuckboy newsflash: they never ask you on a date. The only times fuckboys ask you to hang out are to go out partying with his crew (as he hopes to get lucky at the end of the night), or when the night is already over at 2 am (as he hopes he will get lucky). On the extremely rare occasion that a fuckboy asks you on a date, it is ALWAYS on the condition that he expects he will get lucky at the end of the night.

5. There’s always other girls in the picture.

Even if you have somehow managed to intrigue the fuckboy for an extended period of time, there’s always other girls on the back burner. Whether he hides it well or is upfront with you, the fuckboy does not wish to settle down. He thinks monogamy is a myth and is scared of exclusivity. The fuckboy always has a wandering eye, searching for your successor.

6. They will always disappoint you.

Fuckboys let you down because they are fuckboys. They’re not looking for substance and they’re not looking for a relationship; they’re looking for a good time. Unfortunately, after falling for their traps, girls will often develop feelings for fuckboys. These feelings are what lead to heartbreak and disappointment because a fuckboy can’t give you what you want and deserve. It never ends well.

Now that you know the key warning signs of a fuckboy, you are better prepared to protect yourself from the danger. Maybe we can even eradicate the fuckboy species altogether. Because without having anybody to f*** with, what is a fuckboy to do?