Like trends, there are several words that get added to the dating lexicon every year. While the meaning of ghosting is known, for this year, bread crumbing, love bombing and situationship are some among others that you should know of before you go on your next date
Image for representational purpose only. Photo: istock
The paradox of today's awakened people is that, on the one hand, they claim to despise labels, but on the other hand, they methodically define every single phenomena or behaviour in their lives, be it their work surroundings, sexuality, relationships, etc.
ADVERTISEMENT
With this in mind, MatchMe co-founders Mishi Sood and Tania Sondhi, released a dating dictionary for 2022:
Bread Crumbing: This is a timeless classic. The derivation derives from Hansel and Gretel, a children's story in which they leave a trail of breadcrumbs to help them find their way out of the woods. It's the age-old practise of sending out signals of interest without actually intending to commit. Also referred to as 'leading someone on'. A breadcrumber would often send infrequent and brief signals, or digital morsels, such as short texts or Instagram likes, that indicate that they like you but are unlikely to pursue a relationship.
Love Bombing: People desire a spouse that lavishes them with compliments, treats them as the centre of their existence, and looks after them. Love bombing is an extreme variation of this behaviour. A normal love bomber would try to win someone over by lavishing attention, gifts and affection on them. These are not genuine gestures, but rather a manipulative ploy used by narcissistic and abusive people to acquire control and make others unhealthily dependent on them.
Situationship: This is a casual or ambiguous romantic or sexual relationship. You, my friend, are in a situationship if you don't talk about the future, don't meet their friends, don't go out on any genuine dates, or if your entire relationship, if you can call it that, is built on convenience.
Ghosting: This one is well-known and affects those who use dating apps. It's abruptly terminating all contact and conversation with someone you're dating. Poof! They vanish like a phantom. They don't return phone calls, text messages, or social media pings.
Submarining: It's equivalent to being resurrected. Submarining occurs when someone returns after a ghosting and acts as if nothing happened. They act as if you'll be right where they left you emotionally when they return, and they try to worm their way back into your life. Also known as zombieing or paper clipping.
Orbiting: Another type of breadcrumbing, except this time it's more subtle and occurs after you've been in a relationship. They partially ghost you but engage with your social media content, making it tough for you to move on.
Benching: This is an all-too-common occurrence in the matchmaking scenario, and it can be rather devastating. It's the habit of putting a potential mate on hold or (on the bench) in the event that nothing else works out.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.