Do you know about “delicate dumping”, this way of breaking up without breaking up?

Have you ever felt like your partner was becoming distant? That you were no longer going out together? That he was taking longer to respond to your messages? And that you were ultimately the cause of the end of your relationship? If so, you may have been the victim of “delicate dumping”. This term, which translates as “getting rid of delicately”, refers to ending a relationship by gradually ceasing to make an effort, with the aim of getting the other person to take the initiative to break up. This allows the one who wants to leave to avoid taking responsibility and to transfer the guilt onto their ex-partner.

Although the term is new, this behavior in love is not. However, with the rise of social networks and dating apps, many relationship phenomena find an official name. The problem with this behavior is that it is manipulative. The partner wanting to break up distances himself, changes his behavior, and becomes increasingly cold. The person experiencing this attitude then feels abandoned and rejected, without understanding this change, not to mention the consequences on his mental health. This can lead to a lack of self-esteem, anxiety disorders, and problems of trust towards others.

But how do you recognize the signs of “delicate dumping”? If your partner shows increasing disinterest, avoids discussions, no longer suggests romantic outings, this can be a bad sign. The other person is trying to move away without showing a radical change in behavior or explaining their intentions. By avoiding moments together and discussions, they become passive in their communication, responding less often and in a short and detached manner.

If you are experiencing this toxic practice, don’t hesitate to ask your partner for explanations. You deserve a clear and respectful breakup, which will allow you to turn the page and move on in a healthy way.

Slideshow: How to Break Up Gently