We matched, we chatted, we flirted — for two solid weeks it felt like something was really there. He was responsive, funny, even a little sweet in that low-key “maybe he likes me?” kind of way. Then one day… radio silence. I sent a message, he didn’t reply. I waited. Still nothing.
But here’s the twist — he kept watching every single one of my Instagram stories. Within minutes. Every time.
At first, I brushed it off. Maybe he’s just busy. Maybe something came up. But the pattern didn’t change. No reply in the chat, but steady views on my stories. You know that feeling? Like you’re being ghosted, but not really? It’s not just confusing — it’s annoying.
It’s called breadcrumbing. It’s when someone gives you just enough attention to stay on your mind, without actually showing up for you. Watching your stories, liking an old post, reacting with a random heart-eye emoji — it’s the digital version of “I’m not in, but I don’t want you to move on either.”
The worst part? It messes with your head. You start wondering if maybe he’s just shy. Or unsure. Or maybe waiting for the “right time” to come back. But deep down, you know what it really means: if he wanted to talk, he would.
People breadcrumb for all sorts of reasons. Maybe they’re lonely. Maybe they just want to keep their options open. Maybe it’s about ego. It doesn’t really matter. Because when someone wants to be in your life, they show up — not just as a view count on your story.
So what do you do when this happens? Mute him. Unfollow if you need to. But most importantly, stop assigning meaning to the silence. Story views are not love letters. They’re not apologies. They’re not interest. They’re a tap. A glance. A maybe.
You deserve more than a maybe.
You deserve someone who replies to your texts, not just your stories. Someone who says, “Let’s get dinner,” not just “👀” on your photo.
So here’s your gentle reminder: if he left you on read but still watches your stories, don’t wait around for closure. Give it to yourself. Then move on to someone who actually wants to be there.
Because you’re not meant to be someone’s almost. You’re meant to be someone’s absolutely.
