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

What is the meaning of tropical dating?

Well, the meaning of tropical dating is a bit like ghosting, but with a social media twist. Picture this: You cut off direct contact with someone you were dating, but continue to interact with their online presence.

You continue to like their Instagram posts, favorite their tweets, and watch their Snapchat stories. It’s as if you’re in orbit around their digital world.

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

Why do people turn around?

There are different reasons why someone might choose to revolve around another person. One of the most common reasons is not wanting to leave the relationship, especially after a breakup. When you still love someone, cutting all ties can be very difficult.

Continuing to check their social media allows you to get little doses of dopamine when you find something new about them. It’s a reward for your curiosity, even if it doesn’t help you move forward.

But this is not the only reason. Some individuals dwell on their exes because they want to keep them as a backup or to get attention. It’s a way to see if rekindling a relationship is possible. So, rotation can serve different purposes, but it often revolves around not letting go of the body completely.

The character Ted Mosby from How I Met Your Mother, portrayed by Josh Radnor, often searches for his ex-girlfriends on social media throughout the series. Although it is not explicitly about it, it highlights the common desire to stay in touch with ex-partners through online platforms.

Orbit signs in dating:

Social Media Monitoring: They regularly watch your social media posts and stories without direct contact.
Likes and Reactions: They constantly like, comment or interact with your online content.
No Closure: Despite separation or ghosting, they avoid addressing the situation directly.
Mixed Signals: Their actions online belie their lack of connection to real life.
Keeping tabs: They stay updated on your life even if you’re no longer together.
Maintain contact: They continue to follow, friend or maintain connections online.
Possessiveness: They become uncomfortable or defensive if you date or interact with others online.
Emotional Manipulation: Spinning can be a subtle way to play mind games with you.

Is rotation healthy or unhealthy?

Whether orbit is healthy or not depends on several factors, including the role it plays in your life and how it affects you and your ex.

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

However, if the breakup ended on relatively good terms, and you agreed to remain friends, the orbit may not carry the same negative connotations.

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

What if you were orbiting?

If you’ve recently realized that you’re dating, there are some steps you can take to address this behavior. First, try to track your feelings to understand how spinning you feel.

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

Finally, practice mindfulness by recognizing your desire to check in before giving in.

What if you were in orbit?

If you are on the receiving end of spin and it makes you uncomfortable or confused, it is essential to set boundaries. You have choices, direct and indirect.

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

It’s important to protect yourself from unwanted interactions, especially if the orbiter seems aggressive or alarming. Although you cannot control the actions of others, you do have the power to protect your own emotional health.