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Dating World Terminology: Ghosting, Catfishing, Benchwarming, and Breadcrumbing Explained

Dating Slang: Understanding Ghosting, Catfishing, Benchwarming, and Breadcrumbing in the Romantic Realm

Dating Slang: Understanding Ghosting, Catfishing, Benchwarming, and Breadcrumbing
Dating Slang: Understanding Ghosting, Catfishing, Benchwarming, and Breadcrumbing

Dating World Terminology: Ghosting, Catfishing, Benchwarming, and Breadcrumbing Explained

In the vast and diverse world of dating, individuals are constantly seeking out healthy and loving relationships while also healing from the scars of toxic encounters. However, it's essential to be aware of certain warning signs that may indicate a potential partner is not worth your time or emotional energy.

One such sign is the silent treatment, a tactic often employed by an abuser when they dislike a healthy boundary set by their significant other. This behaviour is cruel and no one deserves to be subjected to it. It's a manipulative tactic designed to cause harm and render the target non-existent.

Another red flag is ghosting, a term used in the dating world to describe a person disappearing without explanation after a dating partner loses interest, often through texting or email. This cowardly and immature behaviour is considered a shallow move by experts in the field and the person on the receiving end is fortunate to have avoided a potentially toxic dating partner.

Breadcrumbing, a disrespectful dating behaviour where someone strings another person along by communicating just enough to keep them as an "option," is another warning sign. This behaviour is disrespectful and shows a lack of genuine interest in forming a meaningful connection.

Perhaps one of the most insidious tactics is catfishing, where a person creates a fake dating profile, often used by predators like narcissists and psychopaths to hunt for targets and engage in toxic encounters. This practice is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

In an abusive relationship, a psychological abuser may employ the silent treatment (ST), which is an emotional abuse tactic. No Contact (or Limited Contact in the cases where there are children or a business) is essential for the healing of a survivor of an abusive relationship. Experts virtually unanimously agree that No Contact is essential for the healing of the survivor, to work through and sever the trauma bond and reclaim personal self-worth and agency.

It's important to remember that you control the pace of the relationship, and it's essential to go slow until you know what a person is all about and if they are worthy of your time. Vetting potential partners and letting trusted people know your whereabouts when meeting someone new is also crucial for safety.

In conclusion, being aware of these toxic behaviours and understanding their impact is the first step towards maintaining a healthy and fulfilling dating life. By recognising these signs and avoiding these behaviours, you can ensure that you are building a relationship based on mutual respect, trust, and open communication.

Sources: - Dr. Stefanie Stahl, "Ghosting, Silent Treatment, No Contact und andere Taktiken der Abhängigkeitserzeugung in den Beziehungen" - goodtherapy.org, "The silent treatment" article by the author - Various experts in the field of psychology and relationship dynamics

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