A manipulative tactic where someone offers just enough attention or signs of affection to keep another person interested, without committing to a genuine relationship.
Think of it as someone leaving a trail of emotional "crumbs" to keep you following them. It's a favorite trick of narcissists and other emotional abusers. Here's what you need to know:
It's all about giving the bare minimum to keep you "hooked."
Involves alternating between hot and cold behaviors.
Includes vague and ambiguous communication.
Examples:
Late night "Hey, how ya doing?" texts
Rare compliments mixed with constant criticism
A great evening together followed by days of silence
If you're experiencing bread crumbing, you might feel:
Confused about where you stand
Unsure if it's even a real relationship
Frustrated and unclear about the future
Remember: Narcissists use breadcrumbs to keep you coming back, hungry for more. You might spend a lot of energy trying to figure out if they really care or if they're just using you.
Here's the truth: Crumbs of "love" will never be enough if you're looking for true connection orintimacy. Not knowing where you stand wi