Orbiting Dating: The Trend That Keeps You From Moving On – Are You Guilty?

In the ever-evolving world of the dating scene, you might have heard of this new phenomenon: the orbiting dating trend. So, what exactly is it?

What Is Orbiting Dating Meaning?

Well, orbiting dating meaning is a bit like ghosting, but with a social media twist. Imagine this: you break off direct contact with someone you’ve been dating, but you continue to engage with their online presence.

You keep liking their Instagram posts, favoriting their tweets, and watching their Snapchat stories. It’s like you’re in orbit around their digital world.

This Orbiting dating trend was coined by Anna Iovine in a viral article, and it’s become a significant part of the modern dating lexicon. But why do people engage in orbiting, and is it a healthy behavior? Let’s dive into it.

Read more here: What Is Zombieing In Dating? A Crueler Twist On Ghosting Explained

Why Do People Orbit?

There are various reasons why someone might choose to orbit another person. One of the most common reasons is the reluctance to let go, especially after a breakup. When you’re still in love with someone, severing all ties can be incredibly challenging.

Continuing to check their social media allows you to receive small dopamine hits when you find something new about them. It’s like a reward for your curiosity, even if it doesn’t help you move on.

But that’s not the only reason. Some individuals orbit their exes because they want to keep them as a backup option or to retain their attention. It’s a way of seeing if rekindling the relationship is a possibility. So, orbiting can serve different purposes, but they often revolve around not fully letting go.

The character Ted Mosby from How I Met Your Mother, portrayed by Josh Radnor, often looks up his ex-girlfriends on social media throughout the series. While not explicitly orbiting, it highlights the common urge to stay connected with past partners through online platforms.

Signs of Orbiting in Dating:

1. Social Media Surveillance: They regularly view your social media posts and stories without direct communication.
2. Likes and Reactions: They consistently like, comment, or react to your online content.
3. No Closure: Despite the breakup or ghosting, they avoid addressing the situation directly.
4. Mixed Signals: Their online actions contradict their real-life disengagement.
5. Keeping Tabs: They stay informed about your life even though you’re no longer together.
6. Maintaining Contact: They continue to follow, friend, or maintain online connections.
7. Possessiveness: They get uncomfortable or defensive if you date or interact with others online.
8. Emotional Manipulation: Orbiting can be a subtle way to play mind games with you.

Read more here: From Cold To Committed: What Is the Thawing Dating Trend? And How To Mindfully Approach It Like A Pro

Is Orbiting Healthy or Unhealthy?

Whether orbiting is healthy or not depends on several factors, including the role it plays in your life and how it affects both you and your former partner.

If you find yourself compulsively checking their social media, unable to resist the urge, it can become unhealthy. It might consume your thoughts and hinder your ability to move forward.

However, if the breakup ended on relatively good terms, and you both agreed to stay friends, orbiting might not carry the same negative connotations.

In such cases, it doesn’t have that secretive, manipulative quality. It’s more about amicably staying in each other’s lives. Orbiting becomes problematic when it’s used as a tool to play mind games after one person has expressed the desire to end the relationship.

What If You’re the Orbiter?

If you’ve recently realized that you’ve been orbiting in dating, there are a few steps you can take to address this behavior. First, try tracking your emotions to understand how orbiting makes you feel.

Then, consider removing your ex’s accounts from your social media feed or limiting how often you check their profiles. Gradually reduce the frequency of your visits. Sharing your struggle with a friend can also help with accountability.

Finally, practice mindfulness by recognizing your urge to check on them before giving in.

What If You’re Being Orbited?

If you’re on the receiving end of orbiting and it makes you uncomfortable or confused, it’s essential to set boundaries. You have options, both direct and indirect.

The direct route involves having a conversation with the person orbiting you and clearly expressing your boundaries. If you prefer an indirect approach, consider blocking them, unfriending them, or simply ignoring their online presence.

It’s crucial to protect yourself from unwanted interactions, especially if orbiting feels invasive or anxiety-provoking. While you can’t control the actions of others, you do have the power to safeguard your emotional well-being.

Read more here: From Cuffing to Shadowing: Why ‘Summer Shading’ Is The Latest Dating Vibe To Dive In

Orbiting in dating can be a confusing and uncomfortable experience. Have you ever been in this situation? How would you handle it – direct conversation or setting boundaries? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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