By Fox News journalist/producer Jennifer Williams

What’s the new dating trend called ‘banksying’ and why is it so harmful? My interview with Fox News (TV) decodes the signs you need to know, and how to handle this type of toxic situation. #banksying #datingtrends #breakuptrends

There’s yet again another new term for despicable dating behavior– “Banksying.” It’s a cruel breakup trend that combines backpedaling while breadcrumbing through a slow fade. What should you do if it’s done to you? Check out my advice in this clip from Fox News.

A new dating trend called Banksying involves one person gradually withdrawing from a relationship without explanation, leaving their partner bewildered.

Inspired by the mysterious street artist Banksy—whose art pops up and vanishes without warning—the term reflects the disappearing act at the heart of this behavior.

Relationship experts criticize Banksying as a passive, avoidant tactic that dodges emotional responsibility, calling it a cowardly exit strategy.

NEW YORK – This latest dating trend might leave you ghosted, guessing, and stuck in emotional limbo as you wait for replies that never come.

Jennifer Williams writes, “First it was ghosting. Then breadcrumbing. Now singles are dealing with something slipperier, a slow, sneaky fade-out called “banksying.”

And while the name sounds artistic, the reality feels more like emotional vandalism.

The trend borrows its name from the mysterious British street artist known for his surprise pop-up murals that seem to appear and disappear without warning.

The dating version follows a similar pattern.

What is ‘bankysing’?

“Banksying is backpedaling while you breadcrumb into a slow fade,” said relationship expert Susan Winter. “You are exiting the relationship slowly but not to held guilty or responsible. It doesn’t allow for closure and it doesn’t allow for communication.”

How do I know if I’m being ‘banksied’?

Unlike ghosting, where someone abruptly cuts contact, “banksying” is a quiet pullback. Responses get shorter. Plans get pushed. The energy shifts. But when questioned, the person dodges any clear answers.

“It is the perfect tool for somebody that hates to communicate and hates to be responsible for their part of the relationship,” Winter said.

While some might see it as a soft exit, Winter says it is often more damaging than ghosting because it creates confusion, delays closure, and erodes self-worth over time.

Technology only adds to the problem. With texts and dating apps, it is easier than ever to stretch out a breakup while avoiding a real conversation.

“A text means I can craft my answer. I can pretend I didn’t understand you. I can take time to think things through,” Winter said. “But in real life we have real emotions that come to the surface, and we are more spontaneous.”

What to do if your ‘banksied?’

So what should you do if you think you are being Banksied? Winter says clarity is your best weapon.

“Just ask for clarification. Say, I really haven’t talked to you. I don’t know what’s going on. You can be honest with me,” she said. “Nobody’s bad or wrong, just communicate.”

And if the other person still fades out, Winter says to take it as a sign.

“This is how they communicate. If you want to get to conflict resolution, it is never going to happen with this person.””

It’s not fair. And it’s not polite. But this is what some people do. Those who lack the skill or desire to communicate, and who prefer to make the recipient of this horrific and toxic behavior, feel uncomfortable, rather than taking the responsibility upon themselves to be honest and direct.

And true, technology has helped people to feel a sense of anonymity and the right to ghost, breadcrumb, backpedal, and be vague. The less we speak to each other and the less we learn how to effectively communicate, the more of a mess our relationships will become.

I was really happy with this article (and the video). I hope it helps you to be able to identify when someone is “banksying” you, and how to handle your next moves. Please try to remember this isn’t a person worth fretting over, because they lack the skills required to be a healthy partner.

ATTRIBUTIONS and CREDITS: Fox News NYC, Jennifer Williams— journalist/producer/, and Kendra Warner. Jennifer X. Williams is a sports,  lifestyle, and general news journalist with over 10 years of experience covering the New York market. www.jenniferxwilliams.com

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