Breadcrumbing

Breadcrumbing is leading someone on romantically without having the desire of making it into a relationship. It might feel like you are in a relationship with this person but, you are not. The person that does breadcrumbing gives you mixed signals letting you that he or she wants to be with you romantically. Other times he or she might feel distant and might not want anything at all from you. This makes you feel confused and lonely.

Sometimes this occurs when the person has another woman on the side, a wife, or a friend-with-benefits relationship. Even though not everyone who does breadcrumbing is in a committed relationship but continue doing these actions based on fear. Some do this because they have doubts about selecting a person to be with romantically, especially if they have more than one person to choose from. Breadcrumbing has risen with the use of WhatsApp, Snapchat, Dating Applications, and other messengers which has facilitated people to infidelity. Additionally, more people use these dating services and do breadcrumbing to others because it gives them a higher state of self-esteem.

While other people do this to get personal pleasure without realizing that they are hurting a person behind that computer screen or cell phone. The signs of breadcrumbing are not replying to messages on time, keep making promises of meeting, exchanging pictures, and making comments about your looks. Also, showing a lot of interest in seeing you but no plans are made. It takes them days or weeks to reply to your messages. It is a horrible experience and might seem like a waste of time dealing with breadcrumbing.

Breadcrumbing is different than Benching. Although the signs are similar because in Benching a person disappears and reappears again through messages and telephone calls. There is less communication with Breadcrumbing and with Benching. The difference is that with Benching the plans might be made but they get canceled without a valid excuse. Whereas Breadcrumbing makes the person decide to go out but there is no definite day for the date.

People who do this tend to have insecurities about themselves and fear being rejected. It is most likely that these people had many rejections and could not manage their emotions. In these situations, it is best to move on or at least try to get clarification about why he or she is doing this to you. Always respect yourself, keep a positive mindset, and move on to another more balanced relationship. Below are links about breadcrumbing.

 

What is Relationship Breadcrumbing: 

https://www.thezoereport.com/wellness/what-is-relationship-breadcrumbing

Relationships and Breadcrumbing:

https://www.thehealthy.com/family/relationships/breadcrumbing/

Breadcrumbing in Dating:

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/breadcrumbing-in-dating

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