How breadcrumbing keeps us distracted from reality

From changing briefly to making us believe that we are the problem, here are a few ways by which breadcrumbing can distract us from seeing the reality.

Sometimes relationships can turn toxic because of the ways that we are treated in it. In toxic relationships, several techniques are used to keep us hooked in it through guilt, regret and other difficult emotions. Breadcrumbing is one such technique in which a person is given enough attention, affection, love and care to keep them hooked and stuck in the relationship but not enough to call it healthy. "One of the motivations behind breadcrumbing behaviors is to keep other individuals hooked in order to ensure there is someone available when they need to get their own needs met. However, breadcrumbing is not always done intentionally or maliciously… and sometimes the breadcrumber doesn’t even realize this is what they are doing. These behaviors can most certainly stem from their own fears, triggers, and unresolved traumas," explained Therapist Elizabeth Fedrick.

How breadcrumbing keeps us distracted from reality (Shutterstock)

Breadcrumbing is done through sporadic messages after a brief period of silence or spending time with us enough to make us believe we are important, but not much to make us think that they are investing in us. Through these techniques, the partner can keep us distracted from the reality of things.

The expert further noted down a few ways by which breadcrumbing can keep us distracted from reality:

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Communicating: In breadcrumbing, a person is confused whether to call the relationship a casual one or a committed one. However, by the amount of affection, sometimes it may appear that the partner is committed, while other times it can seem that they are casual.

Changing briefly: When we express the problems, the partner may show changes in their behavior for a brief period of time leading us to believe that things are better – however, they soon go back to behaving the same.

Making us believe that we are needy: When we express our needs, wants and expectations, we are usually led into believing that we are needy and controlling in nature. This makes us further confused about ourselves.

Complaining: They are constantly complaining that we are too needy and that we never appreciate their actions in the relationship.