The Common Dating Habit a Relationship Therapist Is Begging You To Stop in 2025

Dating can be a great way to meet new people, but it can also be challenging. And, unfortunately, there are some common habits in the dating game that range from annoying to downright hurtful. And a relationship therapist is begging people to stop one dating habit, in particular, in 2025.

It's already hard to put yourself out there and date people in the first place. But it can quickly become disheartening when you're looking for a new relationship, hoping for a genuine connection, and they just disappoint you with bad dating habits.

Celebrity matchmaker and relationship therapist Dr. Christie Kederian, LMFT, calls out what habit you really need to stop (or look out for) this year. Plus, she shares the most important thing you need to figure out before even trying to date in the first place.

Related: 25 Red Flags That Signify a Toxic Relationship, According to Psychotherapists

The #1 Dating Habit a Relationship Therapist Is Begging You To Stop in 2025

We’ve all heard of ghosting and situationships. But there's another red flag that Dr. Kederian is warning about this year: Breadcrumbing.

“It’s when someone gives just enough attention to keep the other person interested, without ever committing to anything real," she tells Parade.

Breadcrumbing might not seem as bad as something like ghosting—when someone just cuts off all communication with you abruptly and never speaks to you again—but it actually can be so emotionally draining for the person on the other end of it.

“It’s a way of keeping options open, but it’s incredibly damaging for the person on the receiving end, leaving them confused and strung along,” Dr. Kederian adds. “This behavior is a form of emotional manipulation that creates anxiety and uncertainty.”

Related: 25 Relationship Check-In Questions for You and Your Partner

Unfortunately, it's likely that either you or a friend of yours has experienced a breadcrumber—the guy who doesn’t want to put a label on something, the girl who wants to keep it “casual” while still wanting your love and affection, etc.

You may even find yourself in the situation of doing this to someone else. If that's the case, Dr. Kederian says that honesty is truly the best policy.

“If you’re not genuinely interested or ready to pursue something meaningful, it’s far better to be honest and let the other person move on,” she explains. “Clear, respectful communication isn’t just kind—it’s crucial for creating a healthier, more compassionate dating culture.”

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to casually date people or date more than one person at once. But you need to be honest with the people you’re dating and make sure you're on the same page. It only turns into breadcrumbing if you’re giving that person just enough attention to keep them on your roster, but not being open about what you want from your interactions with them. And it’s especially toxic when you expect commitment from them but won’t commit to that person yourself.

What To Do Before Dating Someone

Honesty is a really important aspect of dating, as Dr. Kederian has already emphasized. But another aspect is being in the right state of mind to date in the first place. So what should you figure out about yourself before you try and add a partner into your life? Well, the celebrity matchmaker says it’s all about understanding yourself and your objectives.

“Before stepping into the dating world, the most important thing to figure out is who you are, what you want in a partner and why those qualities are important for you to develop a long-lasting relationship with someone,” the dating consultant and author of 10 Dates to Your Soulmate tells Parade.

While that may seem like a no-brainer to some, not everyone approaches dating in this way. But knowing who you are and what you want in a partner isn’t just helpful in finding a significant other. It also helps you figure out what you will and will not put up with in a relationship.

Related: 125 Best Tinder & Bumble Pick-Up Lines That Are Funny, Cute and Totally Flirty

“Self-awareness is key to understanding your boundaries, values and what you’re looking for in a partner,” she explains. “When you’re clear on these things, you’re less likely to settle for less and more likely to attract someone who aligns with your true self, and also appreciates what you have to give in a relationship.”

This awareness is beneficial, even if the relationship itself doesn't last.

“Knowing yourself also helps you navigate the inevitable ups and downs of dating with grace,” Dr. Kederian shares. “You can handle rejection better and make choices that serve your happiness instead of seeking validation from others.”

And if you do meet your soulmate? Then you're on the right track for a fulfilling relationship and journey together.

“The best relationships come when two whole people come together,” Dr. Kederian says. “Not when one is looking to be completed.”

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Related: 21 Questions To Ask When You're Starting a New Relationship

Source:

• Dr. Christie Kederian, LMFT, a relationship therapist, celebrity matchmaker, dating consultant and author of 10 Dates to Your Soulmate