Ghosting is the act of suddenly without any warning ending all communication with a person you have a relationship with. Ghosting is done without any explanation for the lack of communication. Ghosting includes not responding to any text messages, social media posts, phone calls or any other form of communication. Whether the term "ghosting" comes from the metaphorical term ghost, where the ghoster is saying "you are dead to me" or whether it is from the idiom "get ghost" meaning to leave immediately or disappear, is unclear, the result is the same, no communication and no explanation.
While most people assume ghosting refers exclusively to dating relationships, ghosting can occur in any type of relationship. This can include work relationships, friendships, long-term romantic relationships, informal dating relationships or even minor acquaintances. That said, ghosting most frequently occurs when the relationship is romantic in nature. With the popularity of online dating, sadly ghosting has become much more common place. The closer the perceived relationship was, the more difficult it is for the ghosted person, to understand the lack of communication or lack of explanation.
Ghosting often says more about the ghoster, than the ghosted. While ghosting offers an "easy way out" of an uncomfortable solution for the ghoster, the ghosted is left confused and often frustrated. The reason someone typically ghosts someone is not difficult to figure out, it is often much easier to simply "ignore" someone, than discuss or confront issues or perceived issues. With ghosting the ghoster avoids drama, there is no need to justify or explain their behavior, their is no need to deal with emotions and feelings. With the shift in how we as a society communicates, the tone and intent is often not conveyed. In some cases the ghoster may justify their behavior because they felt the relationship was not serious enough to warrant an actual conversation.
In reviewing the relationship after the fact there are often signs, that perhaps the relationship had cracks or their were warning signs. Perhaps, the communication is heavily one sided, or perhaps their are large delays before responses are sent. If you see indicators that perhaps there are different expectations for the relationship, you may wish to reevaluate the relationship. Today's most common modes of communication are far more impersonal than in times past, that does not mean that common courtesy should be cast aside.
Article Date: April 25, 2020
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