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Puffer Fishing Nowadays, the world of dating is not limited to just love, relationships and breakups. In the era of social media and online dating, new words to relationships are also emerging rapidly. These words may sound a bit strange, but after understanding its meaning, you may remember some of the dating situations that Gen Z and Millennials are going through these days.
One such dating trend is ‘puffer fishing’. This is a new toxic pattern of modern dating, which creates sudden pull and distance after expressing love. Let us know about puffer fishing What is it, what can be its signs and what should be done in such a situation.

What is puffer fishing?

‘Puffer fishing’ is not an official psychological diagnosis, but a relationship term used in dating and social media parlance. It is used to describe a situation when a person shows excessive interest and enthusiasm in the beginning, which makes the other person feel that the relationship is progressing rapidly. But after some time the same person starts retreating. Examples of this could be responding late to messages, postponing plans to meet or suddenly creating emotional distance.

6 main signs of puffer fishing in dating

1. Showing too much love in the beginning

The biggest sign of puffer fishing can be too much initial excitement. The person constantly wants to talk to you and shows interest in every little thing. Good morning messages, late night chats and constant compliments can make you feel that the other person is completely serious.

2. Talking about the future in a few days

Have you not even gotten to know someone well and he starts talking about future plans? Such people talk big about going out together or being in a long-term relationship, but this is just a means of creating an emotional bond.

3. Sudden reduction in messages and calls

In the beginning, if a person used to talk to you all day long and suddenly he has no time left for you, then it is important to pay attention to the change. If the person who used to respond immediately starts disappearing for hours or days, conversations become short or new excuses come up every time, it could be a sign of emotional distance.

4. Canceling meeting plans again and again

Sometimes it is normal for plans to be canceled due to busyness. But if a person makes repeated promises to meet and then cancels plans at the last minute without setting a new time, then this is a big red flag.

5. Active on social media, but missing for you

This situation may seem quite common in today’s digital dating. The other person is posting on social media, adding stories and reacting to other people’s posts, but he does not have time to respond to your messages. Don’t immediately conclude from this that he is deliberately ignoring you. But if this is happening continuously and other changes are also visible in his behavior, then it is not right to ignore it.

6. Always keeping you in confusion

The most troubling thing in a puffer fishing situation is confusion. Sometimes the person in front comes very close and the next day he goes completely away. Sometimes he makes you feel special and then suddenly stops talking. Due to this, questions start arising in your mind again and again – “What does he want after all?” In a healthy relationship there is no need to keep guessing all the time. If someone’s behavior continues to confuse you, it is important to have an open discussion about the direction of that relationship.

Is all such behavior puffer fishing?

No. It is very important to understand this. A person being busy, talking less for a few days, or taking the relationship slowly forward is not puffer fishing in itself. Every person has his own circumstances and communication style. A busy person will tell you the real reason for his busyness and will contact you later. At the same time, a manipulative person will only keep you confused and will prevent you from speaking clearly. See if the other person is constantly showing a disconnect between his words and actions. If this change is being repeated continuously like a pattern, then only it would be right to consider it as puffer fishing.

How to protect yourself from puffer phishing?

Take these practical steps to protect yourself from the effects of puffer phishing:

• Control the pace: Don’t get carried away by the excessive attention you get in the beginning and take immediate emotional decisions.

• See behavior more than words: Pay attention to whether the other person’s promises match his daily behavior or not.

• Set clear boundaries: Ask simply and clearly what direction he sees this relationship taking.

• Give priority to self-respect: If someone constantly confuses you, step back and focus on your own well-being.