Why Ghosting Hurts Both the Ghoster and the Ghostee
Lots of people falsely believe the damage is a one-way street.
In modern-day relationships — and no, not just romantic ones — it’s become incredibly easy for people to leave another hanging without any explanation of what went wrong. Just stop replying, unfollow them on every thinkable social media site, and block them.
For that reason, ghosting has also become common. Most of us know someone who has been ghosted (or done the ghosting) — or we’ve been a participant ourselves.
I was talking to a friend about ghosting and, when I mentioned how it damages the mental health of the person who does the ghosting as well, he was confused. It occurred to me then that many share his opinion.
It’s a common misconception that the negative effects of ghosting only go one way; in reality, the person who “ghosts” can hurt as much as the one left behind. As the old saying goes, when you point one finger at someone else, there are three pointing right back at you.
Also, quick disclaimer: I am not talking about situations in which someone ghosts another person because they are being stalked, relentlessly pursued after a clear rejection, or put in an uncomfortable/dangerous situation. In these cases, ghosting is fully justified. I am…
