Breadcrumbing is becoming a more and more common term, but what does it actually mean? Breadcrumbing is when someone sends you flirtatious messages but never actually asks you out.
What is Breadcrumbing?
Breadcrumbing is a dating term that has been coined in recent years. It is defined as the act of sending out flirtatious but noncommittal text messages or emails to someone with the hope of keeping them interested, without ever intending to pursue a relationship.
What does Breadcrumbing mean?
Breadcrumbing is a term used to describe a type of behavior in which someone sends out flirtatious but noncommittal text messages or emails in order to keep someone else interested without making a real commitment. The breadcrumber may not even be interested in the person they are sending messages to, but is simply using them as a way to boost their own ego or to make themselves feel wanted.
Signs of Breadcrumbing:
Is your partner giving you mixed signals? If they're constantly texting you, but never making plans to actually see you, you might be a victim of breadcrumbing.
Breadcrumbing is when someone leads you on by giving you just enough attention to keep you interested, but never enough to actually commit. It's a way of stringing someone along, and it can be emotionally exhausting.
If you're not sure if you're being breadcrumbed, here are some signs to look out for:
1. Your partner is never available when you want to see them.
2. Your partner is always texting you, but never makes plans to actually see you.
3. Your partner always has an excuse for why they can't meet up with you.
4. Your partner flirts with you, but never wants to take things further.
5. Your partner always seems to be just out of reach, no matter how hard you try.
If you're experiencing any of these signs, it's possible that you're being breadcrumbed. If you are, it's important to remember that you deserve better. You deserve someone who is actually interested in you, and who is willing to make an effort to see you. Don't waste your time with someone who isn't willing to do the same.
Examples of Breadcrumbing
Here are some examples of breadcrumbing:
-Responding to your texts with one-word answers
-taking days to respond to your texts
-flirting with you over text but never making plans to meet up
-liking your social media posts but not commenting on them
-sending you vague or confusing messages
Reasons of Breadcrumbing
Have you ever been "breadcrumbed?" You know, when someone you're interested in suddenly starts texting you less, or stops texting you altogether? It's a common phenomenon in the dating world, and it can be super frustrating.
So, what gives? Why do people breadcrumb? Well, there could be a few reasons.
1. They're not interested.
If someone is breadcrumbing you, it could be because they're not that interested in you. They might be trying to string you along just enough to keep you in their back pocket, in case they need you later on.
2. They're busy.
Another possibility is that the person is just really busy and they're not intentionally breadcrumbing you. Life gets in the way sometimes, and people get busy. If you're interested in someone, give them the benefit of the doubt and see if they get back to you.
3. They're playing games.
Some people just like to play games, and breadcrumbing can be a way to do that. They might enjoy the power they have over you, and the control they can exert. If someone is constantly breadcrumbing you, it might be time to move on.
4. They're not sure what they want.
Some people breadcrumb because they're not sure what they want. They might be interested in you, but they're not ready for a serious relationship. Breadcrumbing can be a way to test the waters and see if you're interested in something more.
5. They're trying to take things slow.
Some people breadcrumb because they want to take things slow. They might not be ready for a serious relationship, but they're interested in getting to know you better. If someone is breadcrumbing you, don't get too discouraged. Just be patient and see where things go.
7 Steps To Avoid Getting "Breadcrumbed"
Here are seven steps to avoid getting Breadcrumbed:
1. Be aware if someone's actions aren't matching their words
2. Notice if you are tolerating behavior that you actually don't want or like
3. Notice if you are focusing more on the future, potential, or hope instead of the reality of what this person is showing you in the present.
4. Identify what needs you are seeking from this person that drives you to continue engaging despite feeling frustrated, confused, or upset by their behavior
5. Identify the learned beliefs that you hold that influence how you to relate to others (i.e. "if someone isn't meeting my needs, I'll just try harder" OR "In order to get my needs met, I must prove myself worthy")
6. Know that if your needs (i.e. to feel enough, to be accepted, to feel seen & heard) went unmet in your parent-child relationship, your inner child still longs for these needs to get met. If you never learned how to take control in getting your needs met, your inner child will seek others to meet these needs & lead you to accept the bare minimum, even breadcrumbs.
7. Learn to meet your own needs, either on your own or through available partners. Disengage from people who continually show you that they cannot meet your needs and instead look for partners who can!
Breadcrumbing is a nasty dating habit that can easily lead to heartbreak. So if you're looking for a serious relationship, be sure to avoid anyone who seems like they might be breadcrumbing you.