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November 23, 2025
Is Your Ex ‘Paperclipping’ You?
Are you tired of the toxic dating trends yet? (I know I am.) Look, awareness is key to prevention. If you can familiarize yourself with all these unhealthy patterns exhibited in today’s dating scene, you might just avoid wasted time and heartbreak. That being said, one of the most common yet toxic dating trends of [...]The post Is Your Ex ‘Paperclipping’ You? appeared first on VICE.
Are you exhausted by the ever-growing list of toxic dating trends? You're not alone. In today's dating landscape, it feels like a new, unsettling behavior emerges every week. But knowledge is power, and recognizing these unhealthy patterns is the first step towards protecting yourself from wasted time and emotional turmoil. One particularly insidious trend that's been gaining traction is known as "paperclipping."
So, what exactly is paperclipping? The term, borrowed from the infamous Microsoft Office assistant, Clippy, describes an ex-partner who pops back into your life sporadically and seemingly without genuine interest. Like Clippy, they appear with a brief, often unnecessary, interaction, only to disappear again just as quickly.
These interactions are usually minimal – a simple "Hey," a like on an old social media post, or a fleeting comment. They're not pursuing a meaningful conversation or attempting to rekindle the relationship in a serious way. The purpose isn't connection; it's simply to keep you on the hook.
The motivation behind paperclipping can vary. Sometimes it's ego-driven – they want to know they still have your attention and haven't been forgotten. Other times, it stems from boredom or a fear of being alone. Regardless of the reason, the result is the same: it disrupts your healing process and prevents you from moving on.
These brief reappearances can trigger old feelings and create false hope. You might find yourself wondering if they've changed, if they're finally ready to commit, or if there's still a chance for reconciliation. This mental and emotional energy is being spent on someone who isn't genuinely invested in your well-being.
Recognizing paperclipping is crucial. If your ex consistently reaches out with minimal effort and then disappears, it's a red flag. Don't fall for the illusion of interest. Protect your peace of mind by setting boundaries, limiting contact, and focusing on your own healing and growth. Remember, you deserve a relationship built on genuine connection and consistent effort, not fleeting attention that leaves you feeling confused and emotionally drained.
So, what exactly is paperclipping? The term, borrowed from the infamous Microsoft Office assistant, Clippy, describes an ex-partner who pops back into your life sporadically and seemingly without genuine interest. Like Clippy, they appear with a brief, often unnecessary, interaction, only to disappear again just as quickly.
These interactions are usually minimal – a simple "Hey," a like on an old social media post, or a fleeting comment. They're not pursuing a meaningful conversation or attempting to rekindle the relationship in a serious way. The purpose isn't connection; it's simply to keep you on the hook.
The motivation behind paperclipping can vary. Sometimes it's ego-driven – they want to know they still have your attention and haven't been forgotten. Other times, it stems from boredom or a fear of being alone. Regardless of the reason, the result is the same: it disrupts your healing process and prevents you from moving on.
These brief reappearances can trigger old feelings and create false hope. You might find yourself wondering if they've changed, if they're finally ready to commit, or if there's still a chance for reconciliation. This mental and emotional energy is being spent on someone who isn't genuinely invested in your well-being.
Recognizing paperclipping is crucial. If your ex consistently reaches out with minimal effort and then disappears, it's a red flag. Don't fall for the illusion of interest. Protect your peace of mind by setting boundaries, limiting contact, and focusing on your own healing and growth. Remember, you deserve a relationship built on genuine connection and consistent effort, not fleeting attention that leaves you feeling confused and emotionally drained.
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