Ghosting: Toxic Behavior

Ghosting is a term used to describe when someone suddenly stops all communication with another person without any explanation or warning. This can happen in various situations, such as in romantic relationships, friendships, or even in a professional context. The person who is being ghosted is left feeling confused, hurt, and rejected, as they are left with no closure or understanding of what went wrong. Ghosting has become more common in recent years, with the rise of online communication and dating apps.

There are several reasons why someone might choose to ghost another person. Here are some possible explanations:

1. They are avoiding confrontation: Some people find it difficult to communicate their feelings or to have difficult conversations. Ghosting can be an easy way for them to avoid any potential conflict.
2. They are not interested: If someone is not interested in pursuing a relationship or friendship, they may choose to ghost instead of having an uncomfortable conversation.
3. They are busy: Sometimes, people get busy with work or other commitments and may not have time to respond to messages or calls.
4. They are afraid of hurting the other person: Some people may feel guilty or responsible for the other person’s feelings and choose to avoid hurting them by ghosting.
5. They are dealing with personal issues: In some cases, people may be going through personal issues such as mental health problems, family issues, or stress, which makes it difficult for them to communicate with others.

Ghosting can have a significant impact on the recipient’s emotional well-being. Here are some common effects of ghosting:

1. Confusion: The recipient may feel confused as to why the other person suddenly stopped communicating with them.
2. Hurt: Ghosting can be hurtful, and the recipient may feel rejected or abandoned.
3. Insecurity: The recipient may start to question themselves, wondering if they did something wrong that caused the other person to ghost them.
4. Lack of closure: Ghosting leaves the recipient with no closure, and they may struggle to move on without an explanation.
5. Trust issues: If the recipient has experienced ghosting before, they may become wary of trusting others in the future.

Overall, ghosting can leave the recipient feeling emotionally drained and can negatively impact their mental health.

If you have been ghosted, it’s important to take some time to process your feelings and emotions. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Don’t blame yourself: Remember that ghosting is not a reflection of your worth or value as a person. It’s not your fault that the other person chose to ghost you.
2. Reach out: If you feel comfortable, you can try reaching out to the other person to see if there was a misunderstanding or miscommunication. However, be prepared for the possibility that they may not respond.
3. Focus on self-care: Take care of yourself by engaging in activities that make you feel good, such as exercising, spending time with loved ones, or practicing mindfulness.
4. Move on: If the other person does not respond or if you feel that it’s best to move on, focus on letting go and moving forward with your life. Remember that there are plenty of other people out there who will appreciate and value you for who you are.
5. Seek support: If you’re struggling to cope with being ghosted, consider talking to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional for support and guidance.

When the person who ghosted you returns, it’s important to take some time to reflect on how you feel and what you want. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Consider why they ghosted you: If the person who ghosted you returns, it’s important to consider why they ghosted you in the first place. Did they have a valid reason for cutting off communication, or did they simply disappear without explanation?
2. Communicate your feelings: If you decide to give the person who ghosted you another chance, it’s important to communicate your feelings and expectations clearly. Let them know how their disappearance affected you and what you need from them moving forward.
3. Set boundaries: If you do decide to give the person who ghosted you another chance, it’s important to set clear boundaries to protect yourself from being hurt again. Be clear about what you will and will not tolerate in the relationship.
4. Take it slow: If you do decide to give the person who ghosted you another chance, take it slow and give the relationship time to develop. Don’t rush into anything and be sure to listen to your instincts.
5. Consider your options: Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not to give the person who ghosted you another chance. Consider your options carefully and do what feels right for you.

And no matter what, keep living your life. Don’t sit and wait for someone who thinks they know what’s going on … and most of the time.. they return to you.

That’s when you can have a good time with them or encourage them to keep on going.. no one deserves that type of behavior. Have the decency to tell someone that it is over… most of the time ghosting happens when they perceive there is a better option and to put you on hold.. they do this.

Someone did this to me last summer… they returned and his return was a phone call and 4 text messages stating how much he missed me and how he made a mistake – I let him know… being alone is better than with him.

Know your worth ❤️