Dating world has admittedly become harder over the years. While digital dating has enabled more communication, it has also opened several avenues for abuse. One such phenomenon is breadcrumbing.
What is breadcrumbing?
Breadcrumbing is when your romantic interest will give you enough morsels of breadcrumbs of attention to keep you hooked, but not enough to give you a secure and complete relationship.
People who breadcrumb others then tend to run hot and cold. And for anyone looking for love and exclusive attention, breadcrumbing can take an extreme emotional toll. It may be grave enough to merit the intervention of the Best Psychiatrist in Lahore.
What are the signs of breadcrumbing?
Some salient signs of breadcrumbing include:
Just enough communication: Breadcrumbers tend to play very smart with communication; giving you enough to keep you on your toes.
Lack of ability to commit: There is a theme of inability to follow through with the plans. They might even be sincere when planning, only to ditch later.
Lonely hookups: Breadcrumbers are more likely to reach out at odd times, when one is most lonely, like in the middle of the day.
Lack of remorse: After tagging you along only to rain check the plans, breadcrumbers show no remorse for their actions. There is no explanation for their behavior, it is as if it never happened.
Why do people breadcrumb?
Much like for anything, there is an ulterior motive behind breadcrumbing as well. Some common reasons why people resort to manipulation of such forms include:
Personality
Some people do have such vile traits in them that they get pleasure from emotionally abusing others. It can also be chalked up to narcissism as well.
Low self-esteem
Ironically, people with low self-esteem are more likely to resort to breadcrumbing. They partake in such activities to make themselves feel better.
Self-validation
Everyone wants to be desired, and breadcrumbers might then use this tactic to make themselves appear as a hot item on the dating market. It then helps them validate themselves as well.
Their own comfort
Some people turn to breadcrumbing because while they do want a romantic prospect, they do not want to get saddled with just one option. Other times, they might continue breadcrumbing for to keep their partner engaged for their own benefit, whilst giving them shorter end of the stick. It is often common post-breakup, where the breadcrumber gives the other person just enough that they do not lose interest and get over the relationship, but not enough that they are able to call it a wholesome romantic partnership.
How to get over breadcrumbing?
It is not a folly on one’s part to fall prey to breadcrumbing, some people can be extremely charming when they need to be. However, getting over the experience and protecting yourself is vital. Some helpful things to do in this regard include:
Be direct if you think you are being breadcrumbed
Often, people hesitate to be direct to prevent a classic case of cold feet. However, you need to be bold enough to confront your interest for a romantic partnership. Ask them you want to take things to the next level, so they either come with you or end the relationship.
Work on your self-esteem
It is easier to exploit people with low self-worth, as they are more likely to settle for low-quality attention as well. So, work on improving your self-esteem; you are worth true love and should not settle.
Call it a day
Instead of wasting your energy in a relationship that is simply using you, call it a day. Start afresh. There is someone better for you!
Seek professional help
You do not have to downplay the emotional toll that breadcrumbing took on you. On one hand is the hatred for oneself for falling trap to it, and on the other hand is the heart break that tends to accompany such situation. Suffice to say, it can be a lot to take in, so if you think you need it, do not hesitate about seeking the professional help of the Best Psychiatrist in Karachi.
