Let’s talk about ghosting. Because apparently, it’s 2025’s preferred form of communication, silence. Whether it’s in love, friendship, or business, we’ve all had that one person go full Houdini on us. One minute they’re replying with heart emojis, the next… tumbleweed.
Now, let’s be clear: ghosting is not new. But the frequency with which it happens these days? Off the charts. It’s become the emotional equivalent of leaving someone on read, except you’re left staring into the abyss of “last seen 3 days ago” wondering if you imagined the whole connection.
And yes, while I’ve dipped a toe into ghosting waters myself (let’s be honest), I’ve also been ghosted, and it never feels good. Human beings crave closure. And ghosting? That’s the ultimate psychological cold shoulder.
Why Is Everyone Ghosting Like It’s a Sport?
Whether it’s a love interest, a flaky client, or a friend who evaporates after borrowing your charger, ghosting often isn’t about you. It’s about their own discomfort. Here are the most common reasons people ghost:
1. Conflict Avoidance: “This is awkward, let me disappear”
They’d rather vanish than say, “Hey, this isn’t working.” It’s cowardice wrapped in silence.
2. Tech-Enabled Behaviour: Swipe, chat, ghost, repeat
Apps have made people disposable. There’s always another match, another DM, another dopamine hit. Loyalty? That’s so last season.
3. Fear of Rejection: Ghost before getting ghosted
Some people leave before you get the chance to, especially if they’re emotionally fragile. It’s like they fire themselves before getting the sack.
4. Emotional Immaturity: Feelings? What are those?
Some folks can’t face their own emotional landscape, never mind someone else’s. So instead of navigating vulnerability, they pull the plug.
(Insert image here: a phone with a “last seen 4 days ago” chat—caption: “Still waiting for that reply? Let it go, love.”)
What’s Going On in Their Head?
Ghosters aren’t always sociopaths (though we’ve all met one or two). Sometimes, it’s messier than that.
1. Guilt
They know ghosting is rubbish, but instead of owning it, they avoid the discomfort. Emotional ghosting and moral escapism? Combo deal.
2. Anxiety
The idea of confronting someone, especially emotionally, can be terrifying. So they bolt. Not right, but very human.
3. Denial
They downplay what happened. “We only talked a few times,” or “They’ll be fine.” Anything to avoid accountability.
4. Pure Apathy
And then there are those who just don’t care. You could cry a river and they’d row right past it.
Ghosting Hurts. Here’s Why.
Being ghosted is like having a door slammed shut without warning. You’re left blinking in the dark, trying to piece together what happened.
1. Self-Doubt
You replay every word, every emoji. Did I overshare? Was I too keen? Was it my dodgy meme? Spoiler: It wasn’t you.
2. Broken Trust
It’s hard to trust again when the rug’s been pulled from under you with no warning.
3. Lingering Grief
Even if it wasn’t “serious,” the lack of closure can trigger deeper insecurities or old wounds.
4. Boiling Frustration
Closure isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a psychological need. Ghosting starves you of it, leaving your brain screaming for resolution.
Spotting a Ghoster Before They Vanish
Sometimes, the red flags were there waving wildly. Hindsight, eh?
- Hot and Cold Behaviour: One day you’re their “soulmate,” the next they’ve evaporated into the group chat.
- Avoiding Depth: They dodge anything that sounds like commitment or emotional availability.
- Flaky Patterns: If their stories are always vague and plans always “TBC,” proceed with caution.
- Lack of Empathy: If they joke about ghosting others, you’re not special, you’re next.
How to Handle Being Ghosted Like a Grown-Up
Here’s how I’ve learned to deal with ghosting without spiralling into a bottle of Chardonnay or messaging them 37 times in a row.
1. Accept It
You can’t logic your way into someone’s heart. If they chose silence, let that be their message.
2. Don’t Chase
You deserve someone who replies without needing a carrier pigeon. Let them go. Seriously.
3. Reclaim Your Energy
Pour it into yourself; hobbies, community, healing playlists, bubble baths. Be the main character again.
4. Clean Your Digital Slate
Delete, unfollow, block if you must. You’re not being dramatic. You’re protecting your peace.
5. Write That Unsent Message
Put it all down, what you’d say if they gave you five honest minutes. Then hit delete or burn it. Closure, on your terms.
6. Talk It Out
Friends, therapists, or even your diary. Just don’t bottle it. Ghosting is confusing, and it’s OK to need support.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Ghosting Define You
Yes, ghosting hurts. But it’s also a brilliant filter. Anyone who can’t be honest with you doesn’t deserve access to your time, energy, or playlist.
So, next time someone fades into the mist, remind yourself: you’re not hard to love, they’re just bad at connection. Thank the universe for the redirection and walk away with your head high and your standards higher.
Check out this article Semantic Abuse – The Wordplay Weapon
*This image is AI-generated with prompts made by me and serve no educational purpose, it is only used to highlight certain aspects of this article.
