Have you ever found yourself refreshing your messages, waiting for a reply that never comes? Have you ever been left on "read" for days, only to receive a random "hey" weeks later? Welcome to the perplexing world of ghosting and breadcrumbing—a reality many faces in today’s dating landscape. Welcome to the paradox of modern dating, where disappearing acts and sporadic breadcrumbs of attention have become frustratingly normal.
Ghosting is when someone you’ve been communicating with suddenly disappears without explanation. One moment you’re sharing memes and planning a weekend brunch; the next, radio silence.
Breadcrumbing on the other hand, is more subtle but just as frustrating. It’s when someone sends sporadic texts or compliments to keep you engaged but has no intention of pursuing a deeper connection.
Why do people do it?
At its core, ghosting often stems from a lack of emotional maturity or fear of confrontation. It can also be fear of intimacy, or lack of emotional maturity, or simply overwhelmed by choice. Breadcrumbing, on the other hand, can be a power play—a way for someone to feed their ego by keeping you as an option.
How do we cope?
Trust your gut. If someone’s interest feels inconsistent or superficial, they might be breadcrumbing. The best response to these behaviors? Redirect your energy to self-growth, hobbies, and relationships that uplift you. Communicate openly about your intentions.
The real power move?
Set Boundaries. Setting clear boundaries and recognizing your worth. If someone's communication style leaves you feeling anxious or uncertain, it's okay to step back. Modern dating shouldn't feel like solving a mystery or waiting for crumbs – you deserve a full emotional banquet. The key to healthy dating lies in mutual respect and honest communication. Let’s drop the ghosts and crumbs, and build foundations based on genuine connections. What's your experience with these modern dating phenomena? Have you been on either side of ghosting or breadcrumbing? Let's start a conversation.
Dr. Shruti Khare
