“Breadcrumbing” is a type of dating in which your partner flirts with you by sending you messages on social networks or through text messages (“breadcrumbs”), keeping you interested in them, usually without the intention of having a serious relationship with you.
People who choose this pattern of behavior give their partners false hope, lead them romantically, and make them dependent on their communication. These relationships generally go nowhere and leave us frustrated.
There are red flags that can help you see your current location in your relationship with your partner. But there are certain techniques that can help you stop this type of manipulation. We have taken a closer look at the signs of breadcrumbs and want to share them with you.
They Are Less Interested In Your Relationship Than You Are
Breadcrumbers will ask you out and then change your plans or just don’t show up. They don’t seem as interested in the relationship as you do. Sometimes they can just disappear and stop sending messages for no real reason, leaving you confused.
This type of behavior can make people feel dependent on communicating with a stingy, whose self-esteem often depends on the attention they may receive from others.
They Don’t Try To Get To Know You Better
Your communication may be filled with tons of messages and likes on social media, but they don’t seem to show any interest in spending time together in person.
If you meet once, they may try to avoid another date, which means that they will feel like a connection in real life only once, which will make you want more.
Your Communication Is Inconsistent
You never know when a breadcrumber will send another message or call you back. Today they may seem affectionate to you, but tomorrow they may be cold as ice. Taking too long to respond to your messages and being chaotic and inconsistent in showing interest in you can be signs of difficulty.
You Feel Unsafe In The Relationship
Such awkward and inconsistent behavior can make you feel lost at sea. With such a partner, you never know where you are in your relationship. According to experts, people don’t always help us on purpose.
Sometimes they do it unintentionally, driven by loneliness, insecurity, and low self-esteem as they try to make things better by dragging people away.
They May Already Be In A Relationship With Someone Else
According to experts, some breadcrumbers just can’t have enough of a relationship and need more people to seek their attention.
If your partner shows breadcrumb behavior, you are probably not the only person who is a victim of their manipulations. So when they don’t respond, they may be busy texting someone else.
Things You Can Do To Stop Breadcrumbing
Being in a manipulative relationship is difficult, and giving up takes effort. Experts suggest several things you can do to boost your self-esteem and end this unhealthy relationship.
Talk to your partner honestly: Don’t let them blame their behavior on you and talk openly about what makes you uncomfortable in your communication.
Make a map of what you really want in a relationship: If your partner doesn’t want to get involved in your serious relationship, move on.
Know your worth and treat yourself with love and kindness: Do something you’re good at to boost your self-esteem. Spend more time taking care of yourself and doing the things you enjoy.
Has anyone ever shown this kind of behavior towards you? What did you do in response?
