Going out with a jerky guy is kind of like having a piece of food caught in your teeth. All your friends notice it before you do.

The simile compares dating an unpleasant or inconsiderate partner (“a jerky guy”) to the minor but embarrassing problem of food stuck in one’s teeth: it’s visible to others and affects how you’re perceived, yet you may be oblivious until it’s pointed out. The line highlights a common social dynamic in relationships—friends often recognize red flags earlier because they have distance and aren’t emotionally invested. It also suggests that self-awareness in dating can lag behind public perception, and that trusted friends’ observations can function as a mirror, helping someone notice what they’ve normalized or rationalized away.