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cookie jarring
What does cookie jarring mean?
Cookie jarring is treating a person as a safety net, hedging your bets by keeping them available in case your first-choice romance falls through.
"I found out I was just his cookie jar in case things with her didn't work out."
Origin
From having a 'hand in the cookie jar', a backup treat in reserve.
Frequently asked questions
What is cookie jarring?
It's keeping someone around as a romantic backup while you chase a preferred partner, so you have a fallback if your first choice doesn't work out.
How do you know you're being cookie jarred?
Signs include a partner who keeps things vague, avoids commitment, and only gives you real attention when their other option isn't available.
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