Why Ghosting Is Unhealthy

Ghosting hurts; it’s a cruel rejection. It is particularly painful because you are left with no rationale, no guidelines for how to proceed, and often a heap of emotions to sort through on your own. If you suffer from any abandonment or self-esteem issues, being ghosted may bring them to the forefront. In this article, we shall discuss why ghosting is unhealthy.

Nearly two out of three individuals in recent research have been complicit in ghosting someone else but also suffered from being ghosted themselves.

If we were to regard the study participants as though they represented the entire society, it’s safe to say ghosting is a popular method of ending a relationship.

But what is it?

Ghosting is the act or practice of abruptly cutting off all contact with someone (such as a former romantic partner), usually without explanation, by no longer responding to phone calls, instant messages, and so on.

If you’ve gone on a couple of dates and thought you might’ve met a potential prospect only to discover that he now blocks you on social media and refuses to answer your texts, guess what? You’ve been ghosted.

Ghosting a romantic interest may be more common than ghosting a friend, but both are known to happen.

But why would anyone do so, given ghosting can sink the victim’s self-esteem and create confusion—to say the least?

Some choose to ghost out of the mistaken belief that it’s a kinder way to let the other person down. If your date seems like the sensitive kind but has the mesmerizing chemistry of drying concrete, for instance, you might think it’s better to let the relationship fade than to resort to the famous “it’s not you, it’s me” excuse.

Others might cower from explaining their rejection, given the reception—or lack thereof—they imagine they’ll receive.

Regardless of the reasons behind it, ghosting is not a godly option.

Nearly two out of three individuals in a recent research have been complicit in ghosting someone else but also suffered from being ghosted themselves.

If we were to regard the study participants as though they represented the entire society, it’s safe to say ghosting is a popular method of ending a relationship.

But what is it?

Ghosting is the act or practice of abruptly cutting off all contact with someone (such as a former romantic partner), usually without explanation, by no longer responding to phone calls, instant messages, and so on.

If you’ve gone on a couple of dates and thought you might’ve met a potential prospect only to discover that he now blocks you on social media and refuses to answer your texts, guess what? You’ve been ghosted.

Ghosting a romantic interest may be more common than ghosting a friend, but both are known to happen.

But why would anyone do so, given ghosting can sink the victim’s self-esteem and create confusion—to say the least?

Some choose to ghost out of the mistaken belief that it’s a kinder way to let the other person down. If your date seems like the sensitive kind but has the mesmerizing chemistry of drying concrete, for instance, you might think it’s better to let the relationship fade than to resort to the famous “it’s not you, it’s me” excuse.

Others might cower from explaining their rejection, given the reception—or lack thereof—they imagine they’ll receive.

Regardless of the reasons behind it, ghosting is not a godly option.

How To Avoid Being Ghosted In A Relationship?

Ghosting takes place because of a conflict between communication and expectations. So, the only way to prevent ghosting is to convey expectations regularly so that actions are not unexpected.

But what if you’re already dating or chatting to a guy/girl and experiencing relationship stress? Do you want to make sure that he/she does not ghost you? Here are some pointers to consider:

Meet In Person

To avoid being ghosted, avoid excessive pre-talk, which can become tedious. Instead, go straight for the coffee or drinks. When you converse in person, you can sense whether you have chemistry or if you feel attraction, which is not always noticeable on your phone.

Ask Questions

People instinctively dislike leaving things unexplained, so asking questions is your best chance for an engaging conversation that won’t fade away. People want to interact with individuals who appear to be interested in both them and their interests, and the best way to look interested is to ask questions.

Maintain Boundaries

Keep things short and sweet, don’t make yourself too available. Even if you’re a former supermodel turned orthopedic physician, being overly available sends the wrong message. Keep some mystery in your conversations so that the person you’re chatting with has the motive to ask you out in person and know more about you.

Long-Term Effects Of Being Ghosted

Being the sufferer of ghosting can have a huge emotional and mental impact on someone. It is likely to cause unpleasant emotions, including confusion, irritation, self-doubt, rage, and sadness.

Being ghosted by someone you care about has serious long-term consequences. It leaves you heartbroken, unhappy and confused like any other breakup. Creates trust issues that may have an impact on future relationships.

Getting Over Someone Who Ghosted You?

Accepting that the relationship is over is the first step. You must grieve the loss of what could have been and allow yourself time to recover before beginning something new. Accept that you cannot influence or control the behavior of others.

One thing that can make someone feel better is that ghosting is a sign of emotional immaturity in some ways. By leaving, they showed that they lack the effort needed to keep up a stable, long-term relationship.

Remember that the end of the relationship was not your fault and that the person who ghosted you may be responsible for their actions. It’s important to discuss your experience with someone you trust so that you may begin to heal the pain caused by being ghosted.

How Can You Stop Contacting Someone Who Ghosted You?

Reaching out to someone who has ghosted you will only make matters worse. You must remember that this individual is not worth your time or energy, and you must go on. Surround yourself with friends who will help and support you throughout this period. If you are having difficulty moving on from the ghosting, get professional help.

You could also believe that reaching out will help you find closure. Contacting them again can delay the healing process and make it more difficult for you to move on.

In conclusion, while ghosting might be painful, the individual must understand that it does not reflect their worth or value. It is an outcome of the ghost’s fears, insecurities, or personal issues. Ghosting can occur when a relationship becomes too demanding for one of the partners. When this happens, they will find ways to avoid their partner without addressing any issues or lack of desire. I hope you find this article interesting as well as helpful.

About the Author

A Public Speaker and Freelancer who is Interested in Writing articles relating to Personal Development, Love and Marriage.