Breadcrumbing is a term for stringing someone along with small nuggets of communication—but never fully committing to a relationship. Today those crumbs of communication tend to occur online. The person may respond to an Instagram story, like a Facebook photo, or text a funny meme. They may text back and forth periodically but never seem to agree to plans in person. The connection stalls, unable to evolve into a fulfilling relationship.
The Signs of Breadcrumbing
Breadcrumbing can be a confusing experience; learning to spot the signals can help people name the behavior and process it. The signs include:
Behaviors you can observe from the breadcrumber:
Feelings you can observe in yourself
Breadcrumbing generally refers to dating , but the behavior can also occur in familial relationships (infrequent and conditional love), friendships (connecting then breadcrumbing), and professional situations (dangling illusive opportunities).
Explore More About Breadcrumbing
For a comprehensive understanding of breadcrumbing, read our complete guide: