Ghosting or Being Ghosted

GHOSTING or BEING GHOSTED

I saw this quote somewhere, really liked it, and thought that I would address “ghosting”.

“GHOSTING SOMEONE – SAYS A LOT MORE ABOUT YOU THAN ME” 😊

Ghosting (or being ghosted) is a relatively new term. The term originated in the early 2000’s and became popular in the mid-2010’s. For those who don’t know, ghosting means suddenly ending communication with someone without warning or explanation. It can be an acquaintance, friend, or romantic interest. Even though the term is not old, the action has probably been around as long as humans have communicated, and that’s a long time. 

Most of us have been ghosted in one way or another. I was back repeatedly ghosted by the same person in the 1980’s. He would abruptly stop calling for no reason and not return phone calls (we didn’t have cell phones or pagers back then). He would not visit. This would go on for a few months and sometimes more than a year then, out of the blue, he would call or show up with no warning. This went on for years. I was very young and didn’t know how to handle it. We were both young and immature and didn’t know how to handle the situation.

As an adult, it happened again. This time it was someone who was a very close friend. We did everything together. We talked often. They were happy for me when I found a romantic partner and our relationship continued as it had . . . until I got pregnant. I was abruptly ghosted. I tried talking to them. That didn’t work so I let it go and we have not spoken since.

Now that I am older, I am better equipped to deal with being ghosted. I know that I will still be hurt. I also know that I will be okay and that it has nothing to do with me. And, if/when I choose to end a relationship, I will not choose ghosting to do it. Having a relationship of any type taper off is one thing; ghosting is completely different and unfair to the person being ghosted. This falls under the Golden Rule – Treat others as you would like others to treat you. Pretty simple, isn’t it?