Breadcrumbing is a dating term that refers to the act of giving someone just enough attention or communication to keep them interested, without any intention of committing to a serious relationship. It is a manipulative behavior that involves sending sporadic messages or “breadcrumbs” to the person to maintain their interest, but never actually taking any concrete steps to move the relationship forward.
Some common examples of breadcrumbing include sending occasional flirty texts, liking their social media posts, or making plans that are never actually followed through. Breadcrumbing can be confusing and hurtful for the person on the receiving end, as they are left with false hope and uncertainty about the other person’s true intentions.
One of the key characteristics of breadcrumbing is that it is a one-sided relationship, where the person doing the breadcrumbing holds most of the power and control. They may enjoy the attention and validation they receive from the other person, but are not truly invested in building a meaningful relationship.
It is important to note that breadcrumbing is different from slow dating, where both parties are taking things slow and getting to know each other gradually. Breadcrumbing is a deliberate manipulation tactic that exploits the other person’s emotions for personal gain.
If you suspect that you are being breadcrumbing, it is important to communicate your concerns with the other person and set clear boundaries. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want and need in a relationship, and be willing to walk away if the other person is not willing to meet your needs. Remember that you deserve to be with someone who is willing to invest in a real, committed relationship.