Have you ever been led on by someone or received mixed signals from them, feeling confused about whether they are actually interested in you or not? If yes, let’s say you have been “breadcrumbed.” It is another toxic trend that the youth have come up with in their modern dating lives.
What Is Breadcrumbing?
Breadcrumbing is when you behave in a flirtatious manner with your partner but do not have the intention of committing to them. In simpler terms, breadcrumbing is when someone is sending you mixed signals or leading you on.
People who breadcrumb others tend to show a temporary and fluctuating interest in their partners so as to keep the victims hooked on to them, but eventually, they leave you feeling insecure and worthless about yourself.
Dr. Kelly Campbell, Professor of Psychology at California State University, San Bernardino, explains that breadcrumbing “is leading someone on romantically using online or electronic forums (think: social media or texting) to keep someone’s interest in you, even if you never intend to become romantically involved with them.”
Breadcrumbing Is An Emotional Abuse
Breadcrumbing is a way of manipulating a person to become emotionally dependent on you until your own selfish needs are fulfilled. The person who is being breadcrumbed, on the other hand, is left feeling hollow and devastated at the end. Breadcrumbing takes quite a toll on a person’s emotional and mental well-being.
Dr. Dana McNeil, therapist and founder of “The Relationship Place,” stated, “Breadcrumbing is a behavior in which one partner essentially gives the other partner just enough energy, time, attention, affection, or words of affirmation that provide some of the elements of being in a romantic relationship. However, the other partner is left still wanting.”
Breadcrumbing is emotional abuse as you never know where you stand in your relationship with the person. Their words and actions totally differ from one another, and you are always in a state of confusion. Dr. Campbell claims that breadcrumbers “are sporadic, inconsistent, and unpredictable in their expression of interest.”
In the process, the victim starts self-doubting and feeling extremely insecure. They keep questioning themselves and end up making themselves more available to the breadcrumbers.
Also Read: How To Bust Ghosting With This New Dating Trend Called ‘Ghostbusting’?
How To Avoid Getting Breadcrumbed?
Security is the key element of every relationship. It is also important to set boundaries with your partner and have clear communication between the two.
To avoid being breadcrumbed by your partner, you have to be vigilant about their inconsistent behavior or erratic treatment towards you. Demand clarity about your relationship and his or her feelings towards you. If you feel uncomfortable with some of their habits, speak up and clarify what you will tolerate and what you will not in your relationship.
You should openly talk about your expectations from your partner and what you want from the relationship, but before that, you should be 100% sure about what you want yourself. In turn, you should also know and respect your partner’s boundaries and what they want from you.
If you find yourself keeping quiet about all the annoying habits of your partner or actions that are emotionally draining you just to please them, you are being breadcrumbed.
Most importantly, you should not think less of yourself or that you don’t deserve something good. The moment you realize that someone is taking advantage of you or ill-treating you, you should have the courage to walk out of such relationships.
You must not give in to abuse and be independent enough to stay away from people who try to harm you, even if you find yourself deeply attached to them.
Let us know if you’ve ever been breadcrumbed in the comment section below.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: Hindustan Times & Blogger’s own opinion
Find the blogger: @ekparna_p
This post is tagged under: breadcrumbing, breadcrumb, relationship, dating, toxic relationships, toxic dating trend, modern dating, emotional abuse, emotional issues, mental health, psychology, psychological problems, manipulation, manipulative, deceit, deception, lead on, mixed signals, self love
Disclaimer: We do not hold any right, copyright over any of the images used, these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly mail us.
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