Dating is all fun and games until the object of your affection starts leaving you “breadcrumbs.”
Here’s how to spot breadcrumbing, plus what to do about it, from relationship experts.
What is breadcrumbing?
“It’s about the follow through.
If there’s no follow through, then that’s what bread crumbing is,” Nunez tells mindbodygreen.
Are they being cheeky?
Do they want to commit?
This is especially true if you reply to their replies, and they don’t answer.
and then it never happens.
One day they might seem totally into you, and the next, they’ve gone totally M.I.A.
They might rattle off excuses like being too busy, not wanting a relationship, or needing more time.
Why do people breadcrumb?
According to Ajjan, insecurity and loneliness can lead people to breadcrumb without even realizing they’re doing it.
Of course, some people maypurposefullybreadcrumb to get to string someone along.
And as Nunez adds, they might want attention, and especially attention from other people.
“They like to know they have somebody in their back pocket,” she says.
It’s also possible that people who breadcrumb have anavoidant attachment style.
Sticking with the gambling analogy, the breadcrumber is the slot machine, and you’re the gambler.
Therapist and relationship expertKen Page, LMFT, refers to this as an “attraction of deprivation.”
In the end, you just wind up feeling confused, burned, and unlovable.
And the more an anxious person clings, the more the avoidant breadcrumber will, well, avoid.
But ask yourself if youreallywant what this person is giving you.
Do you really want to be treated this way?
Is this the kind of loving relationship you’re looking for?
If someone is leaving you feeling bad about yourself for wanting a relationship, they’re not the one.
It’s really that simple.
And to avoid getting breadcrumbed going forward, remember that healthy relationships don’t require guesswork or confusion.
You’ll absolutely know."
FAQs:
What does it mean to breadcrumb someone?
Is breadcrumbing narcissistic?
Yes, breadcrumbing is an egocentric behavior that narcissist can definitely wield.
However, someone breadcrumbing doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve been diagnosed with narcissistic personal disorder.
Why would a guy breadcrumb you?
What to text a guy who is breadcrumbing you?
If someone wants to be with you, you’ll know.
