Over time, the phrase “breadcrumbing” in dating has gained popularity. It describes a circumstance in which someone gives you just enough attention to maintain your interest, but not enough to truly commit to you or start a deeper relationship. You can be left wondering where you stand and feeling bewildered and frustrated. A common characteristic of breadcrumbing is a lack of consistency, with mixed signals and irregular communications. It can give you the impression that you’re waiting for something greater, but it never seems to come. Let us show you six ways to deal with breadcrumbing in a relationship.  

(1)   RECOGNISE THE SIGNS OF BREADCRUMBING 

Recognising breadcrumbing happening is the first step towards addressing it. It’s easy to ignore signs because they are frequently subtle. A person who is “too busy” to schedule anything but occasionally messages or calls to keep you waiting is what breadcrumbing appears to be. Despite their frequent compliments and expressions of interest, they never really act on them. It is vital to comprehend that this conduct is a recurring pattern rather than a one-time occurrence. It becomes simpler to acknowledge that you might be getting pushed along instead of making a true connection if you recognise the warning flags. Knowing yourself is the first step in determining what you need and desire from the relationship. 

(2) SET CLEAR BOUNDARIES 

Every relationship has limits, but they become much more important when dealing with breadcrumbing. The boundaries you set for yourself are meant to safeguard your mental and emotional health. You have to determine what is acceptable to you if someone is only feeding you breadcrumbs. Ask yourself if you are okay with the occasional check-ins or if you want more consistency. Without feeling guilty, express your desires straightforwardly and forcefully. For instance, you can say, “I need more consistency and effort in a relationship, and if that’s not something you’re interested in, I think we should move on.” Setting straight boundaries helps both of you stay out of an emotional power struggle and lets the other person know where you stand. 

(3) DON’T MAKE EXCUSES FOR THEM 

It’s easy to make excuses for someone’s actions when we like them. We might conclude they are overworked, anxious, or unready for a committed relationship. While these statements may be accurate, making too many excuses might lead to a never-ending cycle of optimism and sorrow. Accept their behaviour as it is instead. A meaningful relationship is not something they are interested in if they are not acting in a way that makes you feel loved, appreciated, or important. Understand that you deserve someone who is fully present and stop justifying inconsistent conduct. Remember that actions speak louder than words. 

(4) FOCUS ON YOUR SELF-WORTH 

Your self-esteem may suffer and you may begin to doubt your value if you experience breadcrumbing. Remember that using breadcrumbs reveals more about the person using them than it does about you. Take some time to think about who you are and what you deserve from a relationship. Take part in things that bring you joy and confidence, and surround yourself with positive people. Having self-love and self-worth is the best defence against accepting less than what you deserve. When you value who you are, you don’t settle for what others might give you, and you have greater expectations for yourself. 

(5) COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY AND HONESTLY 

Don’t hesitate to confront breadcrumbing when you detect it. Individuals occasionally don’t even realise how their behaviours impact other individuals. Their genuine motives might be revealed and misconceptions can be cleared up with straightforward conversation. Directly question them about the direction of the relationship. An example of what you could say is, “I’ve noticed that our communication is inconsistent, and I’d like to understand what you’re looking for”. They now have the initiative and are compelled to be transparent about their intentions. Honest communication is essential to prevent confusion and ensure everyone is on the same page. 

(6) BE PREPARED TO WALK AWAY 

Be ready to leave if you discover that the individual who is breadcrumbing you isn’t going to change or attend to your needs. It may be difficult, particularly if you care deeply for them, but continuing to be in such a circumstance can only make things worse for you in the long term. Walking away is deciding to put yourself first and refusing to accept anything less than what you deserve. Have faith that there exist individuals who will cherish you, be dependable, and be eager to establish a genuine bond. Being content and alone is preferable to being caught up in a never-ending cycle of emotional instability and breadcrumbing. 

Dorcas Akintoye
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Dorcas Akintoye is a versatile writer with a passion for beauty, fashion, relationships, and culinary delight. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she adds a touch of elegance to every topic she explores. She is a writer at THEWILL DOWNTOWN.