What is narcissistic Breadcrumbing?

Breadcrumbing is the act of sending out flirtatious, but non-committal social signals (i.e. "breadcrumbs") in order to lure a romantic partner in without expending much effort. In other words, it's leading someone on.


What are examples of Breadcrumbing?

Breadcrumbing examples:

Being attentive and flirty in person but not making a move to hang out again. Sending memes via text or social media with no other communication. Texting frequently but not really getting to know each other. Making ambiguous plans with you that never seem to pan out.

What is Breadcrumbing a relationship?

“In a relationship context, breadcrumbing refers to a person who gives you just enough 'crumbs' of attention or affection to give you hope and keep you on the hook — but not enough to make you feel comfortable or assured the relationship is going well,” explains Dr.


What are signs of Breadcrumbing?

8 Signs of Being Breadcrumbed
  • You often feel confused about the relationship. ...
  • You frequently turn to others to decipher what this person's texts and actions mean and how you should respond. ...
  • They may leave you hanging and fail to commit to plans ahead of time. ...
  • Their communication with you is rarely consistent.


What is Breadcrumbing behavior?

Someone who breadcrumbs leads you on by dropping small morsels of interest — an occasional message, phone call, date plan, or social media interaction. These happen sporadically and usually don't have any followthrough.


What is "breadcrumbing"? (Glossary of Narcissistic Relationships)



Is a Breadcrumber a narcissist?

Narcissism: Serial breadcrumbers have been found to have personalities that are associated with elevated levels of narcissism. This can lead to them showing very little regard for the feelings of those around them, and having no remorse for others' hurt feelings.

What does a Breadcrumber want?

Breadcrumbing happens when someone gives you just enough time and attention to keep you interested. But breadcrumbers don't want to commit — instead, they manipulate you so that you're left wanting more. Responding inconsistently and not following up about plans are clear signs of breadcrumbing.

Is Breadcrumbing toxic?

Although a friend who only messages you when it's convenient for them or as a way to get you to do what they want is irritating and inconsiderate, some instances of breadcrumbing enter into the realm of emotional abuse and can present serious mental health challenges.


What is emotional Breadcrumbing?

According to Campbell, 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." It's essentially an emotionally manipulative tactic designed to make someone ...

What is paperclipping in dating?

a situation where someone you have dated suddenly sends you a message after a long period of time, then disappears again. "'Paperclipping' is the latest dating trend to be given an official name, following the likes of 'Kondo-ing', 'Masturdating' and 'Fishing'.

Is Breadcrumbing emotional abuse?

Breadcrumbing is a type of emotional abuse since it involves control and manipulation. If someone truly loves you, they will come out straight instead of dropping breadcrumbs. Also, they will make you feel worthy, loved, and cared for.


What is pocketing in a relationship?

Stashing—sometimes referred to as pocketing—is when one person in a relationship makes the conscious decision to hide the other person from his or her inner circle, and yes, that includes both in real life and on social media.

Should you block a Breadcrumber?

This type of behavior is unacceptable if you want to avoid hurting others' feelings. If you feel that a person is throwing breadcrumbs at you, it is best to delete them from your life by blocking all forms of communication and moving on with your life.

How do you respond to being Breadcrumbed?

How to Deal With Breadcrumbing
  1. Communicate directly. Be direct if you are trying to pursue a relationship with someone but don't feel you are getting what you need. ...
  2. Stop replying. Sometimes it is best to cut the cord. ...
  3. Talk with a trusted source.


How do you beat a Breadcrumber?

By confronting the breadcrumber, you're showing that you're smarter than they might have expected. You're effectively removing the attention they need to thrive. The second way to fight a breadcrumber is by simply ignoring them. Essentially, you're ghosting the breadcrumber — the same thing they've been doing to you.

Should you call out a Breadcrumber?

When someone breadcrumbs you, they do not see you as a potential, serious partner. They may say things that suggest otherwise, but it's only to string you along. Ignore them. Relationship expert Jack Butler has some great insights on responding to a breadcrumber.

What is stonewalling in a relationship?

What does it mean to stonewall someone? In simple terms, stonewalling is when someone completely shuts down in a conversation or refuses to interact with another person.


How do you tell if he's stringing you along?

15 alarming signs he's stringing you along
  • He doesn't give you what you want. ...
  • He starts spending less time with you. ...
  • He makes promises but hardly keeps any. ...
  • He only shows up when it is time for sex. ...
  • He becomes more irritable. ...
  • He has exciting opinions about relationships. ...
  • He never calls you his partner.


Do Breadcrumbers know they are Breadcrumbing?

Deep down, many victims of breadcrumbing “know better,” aware that they are being led on and strung along. However, some may continue to stay in the relationship to avoid facing the painful truth that the breadcrumber really doesn't care about them.

What is cuffing?

"Cuffing" is a term based on the idea of getting "handcuffed" or tied down to one partner. It refers to when people get into relationships during the colder months of the year, even though they ordinarily wouldn't be interested in a commitment.


What happens when a narcissist snaps?

Narcissistic rage, a term first used by psychoanalyst Heinz Kohut in the 1970s, is a sudden and powerful outburst from a narcissist that could include anger, aggression, and violence.

What are telltale signs of a narcissist?

Signs and symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder
  • Grandiose sense of self-importance. ...
  • Lives in a fantasy world that supports their delusions of grandeur. ...
  • Needs constant praise and admiration. ...
  • Sense of entitlement. ...
  • Exploits others without guilt or shame. ...
  • Frequently demeans, intimidates, bullies, or belittles others.


What are the subtle signs of a narcissist?

1 The following are some elements of narcissism:
  • Having a sense of self-importance or grandiosity.
  • Experiencing fantasies about being influential, famous, or important.
  • Exaggerating their abilities, talents, and accomplishments.
  • Craving admiration and acknowledgment.
  • Being preoccupied with beauty, love, power, or success.


Why do narcissists like to breadcrumb?

Breadcrumbing is the cowards' way to avoid deep inner work. It is when people 'test the waters' and 'check up on an ex' to see if the ex still loves them. When giving breadcrumbs, the narcissist might still be in the devalue phase, not ready to discard you yet.

What is Kittenfishing?

What is kittenfishing? As mentioned, kittenfishing is catfishing's younger sister. Essentially, it involves tweaking small details about your appearance or your life to make you appear 'better' on dating apps, as opposed to claiming to be a different person entirely, as in catfishing.