AFP – Ending a relationship is always challenging.
A break-up can take an emotional toll, pushing both partners to start anew.
Some opt for openness and engage in honest conversations, while others choose to distance themselves, hoping the other person will initiate the break-up. In the dating world, this approach is known as “delicate dumping”.
Have you ever felt that your partner was becoming distant?
That you were no longer really doing much together, or that they were taking longer to reply to your messages? So much so that, in the end, it was you that finally ended the relationship.
If so, you may have been the victim of “delicate dumping”.
This term describes a way of ending a relationship by gradually ceasing to make any effort, with the aim of getting the other person to take the initiative in breaking it off.
This allows the person who wants to leave to avoid taking responsibility, transferring the burden of guilt onto their soon-to-be ex-partner.
Although the term is new, this behaviour is not.
But, with the rise of social networking and dating apps, many relationship phenomena have found an “official” name in recent times.
The problem with this behaviour is that it’s manipulative.
The partner wishing to break up distances themselves, changes their behaviour and becomes increasingly cold.
The person subjected to this attitude then feels neglected and rejected, without understanding where this change has come from.
This can have consequences for their mental health, leading to low self-esteem, anxiety disorders and trust issues.
So how can you recognise the signs of “delicate dumping”?
If your partner is showing less and less interest, avoiding conversation, no longer proposing romantic outings, then it could be a bad sign.
The other person could be trying to break away without having to resort to a radical change in behaviour or explaining their intentions.
By avoiding moments together and conversations, they become passive in their communication, responding less often and in a short, detached way.
If you’re faced with this kind of toxic behaviour, don’t hesitate to ask your partner to explain.
You deserve a clear and respectful break-up, which will enable you to turn the page and move on in a healthier way.
