Breadcrumbing, Ghosting and Phubbing: Relationship Red Flags in the Digital Age

Why Digital Behaviours in Relationships Matter

Modern relationships are shaped not only by face-to-face conversations, but also by the way we communicate online. Subtle digital behaviours such as breadcrumbing, ghosting and phubbing are increasingly common, and they can have a serious impact on trust, intimacy and emotional safety.

In this blog, I’ll explore what these behaviours mean, why they hurt, and how therapy can help you address them in your relationships.

What Is Breadcrumbing in Relationships?

Breadcrumbing in relationships happens when one partner gives small, inconsistent signs of interest - texts, likes, or comments - without any real intention of building a meaningful connection.

Breadcrumbing can leave the other person feeling:

• Confused about where they stand

• Hopeful for a relationship that never develops

• Anxious and insecure

In therapy, breadcrumbing is often a sign of avoidance, fear of commitment, or power imbalance. Exploring this dynamic can help you step out of the cycle and make healthier choices in love.

What Is Ghosting in Relationships?

Ghosting in relationships is when someone suddenly cuts off all communication without explanation. This can happen in dating, friendships, or even established partnerships.

Being ghosted often leads to:

• Feelings of rejection and abandonment

• Unanswered questions that make healing harder

• Loss of trust in future relationships

Ghosting is painful because it removes the chance for closure. Therapy can support both the person who has been ghosted and those who may ghost out of fear or avoidance, helping them find better ways of handling conflict and endings.

What Is Phubbing in Relationships?

Phubbing in relationships describes ignoring your partner in favour of your phone. Checking messages, scrolling social media, or playing games during conversations may seem harmless, but over time phubbing can:

• Undermine emotional intimacy

• Create feelings of invisibility or neglect

• Damage trust and connection

  
  

Research shows that phubbing reduces relationship satisfaction and increases conflict. Therapy can help couples notice these patterns and rebuild mindful presence with each other.

Why Breadcrumbing, Ghosting and Phubbing Hurt Relationships

All three behaviours - breadcrumbing, ghosting and phubbing - erode the foundation of a healthy relationship: trust, respect and communication. They create cycles of uncertainty, rejection and loneliness that can be difficult to repair without support.

Recognising these behaviours is the first step to breaking them. The next step is learning how to communicate honestly, set boundaries, and stay emotionally present.

How Therapy Helps With Digital Behaviours in Relationships

Therapy offers a safe, supportive space to:

• Explore why breadcrumbing, ghosting or phubbing might be happening

• Understand the emotional impact these behaviours create

• Develop healthier communication patterns

• Rebuild trust and intimacy

By addressing these issues, individuals and couples can replace damaging behaviours with openness, presence and respect.

Building Healthy Digital Habits in Relationships

If you want to protect your relationship from digital behaviours like breadcrumbing, ghosting and phubbing, you can:

• Set clear expectations about communication frequency and style

• Agree phone-free times to stay present with each other

• Be direct and kind instead of leaving someone in confusion

• Notice avoidance patterns and address them with support

Therapy can guide you in creating boundaries that feel supportive, not restrictive, so digital connection enhances rather than damages your relationship.

Final Thoughts on Digital Behaviours in Relationships

Breadcrumbing, ghosting and phubbing may feel like small things in the moment, but their long-term impact on relationships can be profound. Recognising and addressing these patterns is a powerful step towards creating love that feels safe, respectful and lasting.

If you’re looking for relationship support, please get in touch:

📩 Email: jo@tandemtherapy.co.uk📞 Call: 07521037092