Is your relationship turning toxic due to 'banksying'? People who are dating should definitely know this
- bySherya
- 16 Aug, 2025

The emotional consequences of such breakups are increasingly being felt in young adult relationships as dating becomes more digital and emotionally disconnected.

Dating terms like ghosting, breadcrumbing and love bombing are popular in the world. At the same time, a new heart-breaking strategy hidden in silence has emerged, which is being called Banksying. This concept is inspired by street artist Banksy, who disappears without leaving any trace after showing his art.
Similarly, this term describes a partner who emotionally walks out of the relationship without saying a single word about the breakup. Unlike ghosting, which happens suddenly. Banksying is a slow-motion goodbye that makes you feel emotionally evicted from your own love story.
The emotional consequences of such breakups are increasingly felt in young adult relationships as dating becomes more digital and emotionally disconnected. Banksying reflects not just a personal fear of confrontation but an entire generation's struggle to have honest conversation.
What is Banksying?
As the term suggests, banking is a way of emotionally disconnecting from a relationship without formally ending it. The partner remains physically present, comes to dinner, texts, etc. But their emotional connection gradually diminishes. The other person remains confused, doubts himself and tries to understand this slow change.
Why do people do Banksying?
Breaking up is difficult, but confronting someone after that is even more difficult. This challenge has increased even more these days, where keeping the peace seems to be a struggle. Dating coaches say that we are not taught to have uncomfortable conversations, so people quietly walk away for fear of a fight. Dating apps have further aggravated this problem. Now you get an exit plan even before the relationship has begun. One swipe and a new match and the anxiety easily passes. However, the person who is a victim of Banksying is caught in the questions "What did I do wrong?" and "Was it all a lie?"
Can you spot Banksy?
Thankfully, it is not very difficult to identify Banksying. Its signs may be complex, but they are definitely visible. Sharing less emotions, blaming you for small things, avoiding real conversations and spending less time together. These are some factors that say that something is wrong. Anyway, if you are not feeling the same happiness, depth and love in your relationship as before, then all these can be signs of Banksying. Now if you are also feeling like Banksying, then in this condition, talk openly to your partner. If he avoids talking, then put your happiness above everything. In this way, you can avoid getting hurt again and again.