Stop Making Excuses—Breadcrumbs Aren’t Love

Let’s cut to it: in toxic relationships—romantic, platonic, or anything in between—some people only give you just enough to keep you hanging on. A compliment here. A “miss you” text there. A random check-in when they feel you pulling away.

They’re not really showing up—they’re just making sure you don’t leave. And because you’re kind, loyal, and hopeful… you hold on. You wait. You hope maybe this time it’ll be different.

Spoiler alert: it won’t. This isn’t love. It’s control. It’s emotional manipulation dressed up as effort. It’s a way to keep access to your time, your energy, and your heart—without any actual investment.

Breadcrumbing sounds like:

• Just enough affection to keep you curious

• Just enough conversation to keep you waiting

• Just enough attention to keep you second-guessing

• Just enough guilt to make you stay

Meanwhile, you’re over here overthinking, over giving, and feeling undervalued.

Look—I get it. You want to believe in people. You want to be patient. You see the good. But let’s be honest: someone’s potential is not your responsibility to babysit.

You can have empathy and still have boundaries. You can wish them well and still walk away. You can forgive someone and still stop giving them access to you.

This isn’t just about relationships. It’s about friendships, too!

Some folks only show up when it’s convenient for them. When you’re winning, healing, or glowing—suddenly they’re silent. But the moment you’re low or they need something? Here they come.

That’s not love. That’s emotional convenience.

So here’s the deal:

If someone constantly leaves you confused, that’s your clarity.

If they only show up when they feel you slipping away, that’s control—not care.

If you feel like you have to shrink, chase, or settle to keep them, it’s time to go.

You weren’t made to survive on scraps. You’re not too much. You’re not dramatic. You’re just finally done pretending crumbs are a meal.

Stop Making Excuses—Breadcrumbs Aren’t Love them wonder why your energy shifted.

Let them sit with the silence they created.

You don’t owe anyone access to you just because they “sometimes” show up. You’re no longer available for halfway love, part-time friendship, or emotional games.

Say it LOUDER for the people in the back: NO MORE CRUMBS!