EDINBURG, United Kingdom—Clinical psychologist and acclaimed sex/intimacy coach Dr. Lori Beth Bisbey exposes the subtle manipulation of "breadcrumbing" in modern dating, a trail of empty promises that leaves hearts hanging.
Bisbey explained, "Breadcrumbing is when the person has no intention of taking things further, but loves the attention so they send messages, flirt and do things to keep you interested and involved. The behavior often entails "flirty texting until you ask to talk or meet, then ghosting for a few days, then texting again, moving to light sexting, a phone call, and then excuses to dial contact back down," she added.
Bisbey asserts that his type of behavior "can encourage someone to divert energy, time, attention and money to try to move things forward while knocking their confidence, self-esteem and make them feel a bit crazy, as they are being gaslit."
She recommends direct communication to discern intentions and set clear boundaries to avoid the emotional pitfalls of breadcrumbing. "Once you realize the person is breadcrumbing, my best tip is: if you want an actual relationship, move on and find someone who wants an actual relationship with you. Breadcrumbing is all about them getting their need for attention met and doesn’t consider you or your feelings, needs, or desires at all."
Bisbey can currently be seen in Channel 4 (UK)’s reality series Open House: The Great Sex Experiment and across the U.K. on a summer speaking tour, hosting discussion topics such as "The Psychology of Fetish and Kink" and "Defining Dominance."
To learn more about Bisbey, find and follow her at DrLoriBethBisbey.com, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook @drloribethbisbey, Tiktok @loribethuk, and at The-a-to-z-of-sex.captivate.fm.
