Ghosting is increasingly frequent
Cut all contact with someone else, usually in a loving or friendship context, without any farewell, warning or explanation. The person who does ghosting simply fails to answer and “disappears” – and this phenomenon is increasingly frequent.
We live in an era of accelerated and instant relations. Encounters and social networks have opened doors to new forms of interaction, but also brought new emotional challenges.
One of the most painful and increasingly frequent phenomena is the ghosting. In this article, we explore what it is, because it happens, its psychological consequences and how we can adopt healthier ways to end a relationship.
What is Ghosting?
the term ghosting It derives from the ghost English and describes the act of cutting all the contact with someone else, usually in a loving or friendship context, without any farewell, warning or explanation. The person who does Ghosting simply fails to answer and “disappears.”
Although this practice has always existed, its prevalence has increased by digitizing relationships. Some indicate that between 13% to 23% of adults have already experienced ghosting in love/romantic relationships.
What are the causes of ghosting?
Although it may seem cold or merciless behavior, the motivations behind ghosting are varied:
- Avoid conflict or confrontation: Many people feel uncomfortable with difficult conversations. Ghosting is a way to avoid emotional discomfort associated with direct rejection.
- Dehumanization in digital relationships: Screen -mediated interactions facilitate emotional distancing. The absence of strong bonds can make it easier to disappear without explanation.
- Fear of commitment: Some people do ghosting because they feel threatened by emotional proximity or commitment.
- Narcissism or lack of empathy: In certain cases, ghosting is associated with narcissistic personality traits that make it difficult for other people’s emotions difficult.
- Non -verbalized social conventionUnfortunately, in certain contexts, ghosting has become a “acceptable” or expected practice as a way to end ephemeral relationships.
What are the consequences?
Ghosting is not just a disappearance: it is an abrupt bond of bond that can cause significant emotional consequences:
- Emotional disorientation: The absence of explanation let the person try to fill the voids with assumptions, which can generate anxiety and mental rumination.
- Damage to self -esteem: Many people who are the target of Ghosting question their own value, feeling discarded or invisible.
- Feeling of rejection and abandonmentGhosting can be a trigger of old emotional wounds, especially in people with a story marked by rejection situations.
- Difficulties in trusting in future relationships: Fear of abandonment and widespread distrust in new bonds may arise.
According to one published in Journal of Social and Personal Relationshipspeople who experience ghosting report higher levels of loneliness, anxiety and even depressive symptoms.
How to end a relationship in a healthy way?
Although it is not always easy to reject someone, there are more human and mature ways to do so. Here are some healthy practices:
- Clarity and honesty: A simple and respectful message can make all the difference. For example: “I enjoyed meeting you, but I don’t feel that there is compatibility to continue.”
- Avoid excessive justifications or vacancies: Communicate with assertiveness without feeding false hopes.
- Recognize the humanity of the other person: Validate the importance of the bond, even soon, demonstrates empathy.
- Adapt to the context of the relationship: If the relationship was brief and digital, a message can be enough. If it was a deeper relationship, a face -to -face meeting is more appropriate.
- Consider your emotional limits: In cases of toxic, the removal may be necessary, and it does not need explanations.
In short, ghosting is a behavior that reflects more about those who practice it than those who suffer it. However, their emotional consequences are real and deep.
In a society that values speed and convenience, it is essential to rescue empathy, compassion and affective responsibility in our relationships.
Ending a relationship is never easybut doing so with respect is an act of emotional maturity-and a way of taking care not only of the other person, but also of themselves.
