I have heard countless stories of client’s sharing a time or two in which they were ghosted while casually dating or seriously dating. I have had my fair share of being ghosted as well. The truth is it does not get easier to ‘get over’, but it does allow you to gain insight into the ghoster and the ghosted. Let’s explore how this type of manipulative behavior emotionally damages an individual.

5 Ways Ghosting is Emotionally Damaging

1. Uncertainty and Insecurity: Ghosting can leave individuals feeling uncertain and insecure about themselves and their relationships. The sudden cutoff of communication without explanation can lead to self-doubt and questioning one's worth.

2. Trust Issues: Ghosting can shatter trust in future relationships. Experiencing being ignored or abandoned without closure can make individuals wary of new connections and hesitant to open up emotionally.

3. Low Self-Esteem: Being ghosted can significantly impact self-esteem. It can make individuals feel undesirable, unimportant, or unworthy of respect and love. This negative self-perception can linger long after the ghosting incident.

4. Emotional Distress: Ghosting can cause emotional distress, leading to feelings of sadness, anger, and loneliness. The lack of resolution or understanding can result in prolonged emotional pain and difficulty in moving on from the experience.

5. Impact on Mental Health: Ghosting can have a lasting impact on mental health, contributing to anxiety, depression, and feelings of abandonment. The unresolved feelings and questions left in the aftermath of ghosting can take a toll on one's overall well-being.

Ghosting is more than just a disappearance in communication; it can have profound emotional consequences that extend far beyond the act itself. It is essential to recognize the emotional damage ghosting can cause and strive for healthier, more respectful ways of ending relationships. It is also important to call out the individuals who do the ghosting.

Negative Tendencies of People Who Ghost

Ghosting, a common behavior in modern relationships, can reveal several negative tendencies in individuals who engage in this practice:

1. Avoidance of Conflict: People who ghost often have difficulty addressing conflicts or uncomfortable situations directly. Instead of communicating their feelings or concerns, they choose to disappear without explanation, leaving the other person confused and hurt.

2. Lack of Empathy: Ghosting demonstrates a lack of empathy towards the other person's feelings. By abruptly cutting off communication, individuals who ghost fail to consider the emotional impact of their actions on the recipient.

3. Poor Communication Skills: Ghosting is a sign of poor communication skills and an inability to express oneself effectively. Rather than having an open and honest conversation about their thoughts and feelings, those who ghost opt for silence and avoidance.

4. Disregard for Others' Time: Ghosting can be disrespectful as it shows a disregard for the other person's time and efforts invested in the relationship. Abruptly disappearing without explanation can leave the other party feeling devalued and disrespected.

5. Pattern of Avoidance: Finally, people who frequently ghost others may exhibit a pattern of avoidance in various aspects of their lives. This habit of escaping difficult or uncomfortable situations without resolution can hinder personal growth and the development of meaningful relationships.

Recognizing these negative tendencies can be the first step towards addressing and changing the behavior of ghosting in order to cultivate healthier and more respectful interactions with others.

5 Ways to Get Over Someone Who Has Ghosted You

Dealing with the emotional aftermath of being ghosted by someone can be challenging. Here are five strategies to help you move forward:

1. Allow Yourself to Feel: Acknowledge your emotions and give yourself permission to feel hurt, angry, or disappointed. It's essential to process these feelings rather than trying to suppress them.

2. Create Boundaries: Consider blocking the person who ghosted you on social media and deleting their contact information. Establishing boundaries can prevent you from fixating on communication that may never come.

3. Focus on Self-Care: Invest time in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Engage in hobbies, exercise, spend time with supportive friends and family, or practice mindfulness. Taking care of yourself is crucial during this period of healing.

4. Seek Closure: If you feel comfortable, you may consider reaching out to the person who ghosted you to seek closure. Communicate your feelings in a respectful manner, but be prepared for the possibility that you may not receive the response you desire, or a response at all.

5. Shift Your Focus: Redirect your attention to personal growth and self-improvement. Set goals for yourself, explore new interests, or dedicate time to learning and development. Shifting your focus can help you regain a sense of purpose and fulfillment outside of the relationship.

Remember that healing from being ghosted takes time, and it's okay to seek professional support from a counselor or therapist if you're struggling to cope with the experience. Prioritize your well-being as you navigate this challenging situation. And if you are a ‘ghoster’ who suddenly gained empathy and insight into your behavior- it’s important to seek professional support in order to navigate deep wounds that make you feel like you need to avoid situations and individuals.