In todayâs digital era of swipes, likes, and instant gratification, the way we form and end relationships has evolved dramatically. Sadly, ghosting, a contemporary vanishing act in which a person abruptly stops communicating without giving a reason, has become more common. While it might seem like the easy way out for the person doing the ghosting, it can leave the person on the receiving end confused, hurt, and emotionally wounded. Despite the temporary comfort it might provide, ghosting is far from an easy or ethical way out. In this blog, weâll dive into what ghosting is, why people do it, its psychological impact, and healthier alternatives for managing difficult conversations.
What is Ghosting?
The act of abruptly and without explanation stopping all communication with someone, especially when it comes to dating or relationships, is known as “ghosting.” This silence usually follows a period of consistent interaction, making it even more baffling for the one being ghosted.
Ghosting happens in friendships, professional partnerships, and even family dynamics; however, it is most frequently linked to love relationships. The digital nature of modern relationships has made ghosting easier and more common. Simply not answering a message indicates disappearing.
Why Do People Ghost?
Ghosting often stems from a desire to avoid discomfort. Rather than face an awkward or emotional confrontation, the person simply disappears. Here are a few common reasons people ghost:
- Fear of confrontation: Many people struggle with difficult conversations and fear being disliked or causing pain.
- Emotional immaturity: Avoiding responsibility is often linked with emotional immaturity or underdeveloped communication skills.
- Perceived safety: Some believe that ghosting is a less hurtful or more subtle way to end things.
- Lack of emotional connection: When the bond isnât deep, individuals might feel less obligated to explain their exit.
- Overwhelm or anxiety: Sometimes, people ghost because they feel overwhelmed or mentally exhausted, especially if they are struggling with their own emotional health.
The Psychological Impact of Being Ghosted
For the person being ghosted, the experience can be incredibly disorienting and damaging. Unlike a clear breakup or ending, ghosting offers no closure. This absence of explanation triggers a variety of negative emotional responses:
- Self-Doubt and Low Self-Esteem
Many victims of ghosting begin to question their worth, wondering what they did wrong. The lack of answers often leads to internalized shame and blame. - Anxiety and HypervigilanceWithout clarity, the mind races with possibilities, creating anxiety and rumination. People might become overly cautious in future relationships, fearing abandonment.
- Grief Without ClosureGhosting can feel like a form of emotional death, but without a funeral. There’s no opportunity to say goodbye, process the loss, or understand what led to it.
- Trust IssuesRelationship mistrust may result from repeated instances of ghosting. Individuals may become hesitant to open up again, fearing a similar fate.
- Additional Mental Health ConcernsGhosting can also intensify loneliness, heighten anger, and challenge emotional control. Some individuals experience sleep disturbances from overthinking, while repeated ghosting experiences may even contribute to post-traumatic stress symptoms.
Ghosting is Emotionally Lazy, Not Kind
Sometimes, ghosting is misinterpreted as a graceful way to exit a relationship. Ultimately, it prevents disagreements, tears, and possible rage. In actuality, though, it’s more about avoiding discomfort than it is about being polite.
Choosing to ghost is choosing your own emotional comfort over someone elseâs emotional clarity. It leaves the other person in a limbo, which is far more painful than an honest, if difficult, conversation.
The Rise of âSoft Ghostingâ
Soft ghosting is the newer, subtler version of the act, responding to messages with a like or emoji, but never initiating conversation or truly engaging. It gives the illusion of contact while emotionally withdrawing. Though less abrupt, itâs just as damaging and confusing.
The Ethical Way Out: Choose Communication
Breaking off a connection or relationship doesn’t have to be unpleasant; it just needs to be straightforward and respectful. Hereâs how to manage that:
- Be Honest, Yet KindInform the other person of your position. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know you, but I don’t think we’re a good fit,” or something similar. The phrase “I wanted to be upfront rather than just disappear” can have a significant impact.
- Keep It SimpleParticularly in short-term or early-stage relationships, you don’t have to give a detailed explanation. However, clarity and respect go a long way in preserving dignity.
- Respect BoundariesSometimes, especially in toxic or abusive dynamics, cutting off contact is necessary. This isn’t ghosting, it’s self-protection. The key difference is context and intent.
What to Do If Youâve Been Ghosted
If youâve experienced ghosting, remind yourself that itâs not a reflection of your worth. People ghost because of their own limitations, not because you werenât good enough. Here are a few ways to cope:
- Avoid self-blame: Their lack of communication says more about them than it does about you.
- Resist the urge to chase: Sending repeated texts or trying to seek closure from someone unwilling to provide it only deepens the wound.
- Talk about it: Expressing your feelings to a trusted friend or therapist can help you process and move forward.
- Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with the kindness you deserve and focus on healing.
Therapies That Can Help
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps reframe negative thoughts, reduce overthinking, and rebuild self-esteem.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Supports emotional control and managing anger or rejection sensitivity.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages acceptance of painful experiences while focusing on values and growth.
- Group Therapy: Provides validation and shared healing with others who have faced ghosting or rejection.
- Couples Counseling / Relationship Counseling: Can help partners avoid ghosting behaviors by building healthier communication patterns.
Conclusion
Ghosting might feel like a convenient escape, but it leaves emotional wreckage behind. Itâs a practice that reflects a lack of empathy and communication skills, traits that are essential in any meaningful relationship. Choosing compassion over avoidance, clarity over silence, and honesty over fear builds emotional integrity, not just in romantic relationships, but in all human connections.
The next time you’re tempted to ghost someone, ask yourself: Is this the kind of person I want to be? Emotional maturity doesnât lie in fleeing discomfort; it lies in facing it with courage and care.
Being ghosted can leave deep emotional scars, from self-doubt to lingering trust issues, and many people struggle to process these feelings alone. The Psychowellness Center, with clinics in Dwarka Sector-17 and Janakpuri, provides in-person counseling sessions where âtop psychologists near meâ help individuals cope with rejection, rebuild self-esteem, and develop healthier relationship patterns. For those who prefer privacy and convenience, TalktoAngel offers online counseling with the best therapists, making professional support accessible anytime, anywhere. Both platforms focus on creating safe, empathetic spaces where individuals can express their pain, heal from emotional wounds, and learn tools to build stronger, more resilient connections.
Contribution: Dr. R.K. Suri, a clinical psychologist, and Ms. Tanu Sangwan, a counselling psychologist
This blog was posted on 5 September 2025
References
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- Freedman, J. (2019). Ghosted and Breadcrumbed: Stop Falling for Unavailable Men and Get Smart about Healthy Relationships. Rowman & Littlefield.
- Sbarra, D. A., & Ferrer, E. (2006). The Structure and Process of Emotional Experience Following Nonmarital Relationship Dissolution: Dynamic Factor Analytic Models of Love, Anger, and Sadness. Emotion, 6(2), 224â238.
- Winch, G. (2013). Emotional First Aid: Practical Strategies for Treating Failure, Rejection, Guilt, and Other Everyday Psychological Injuries. Plume.
- Smith, A. (2015). The impact of modern dating on mental health. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org
- https://www.psychowellnesscenter.com/Blog/soft-ghosting-the-new-face-of-emotional-avoidance/
- https://www.talktoangel.com/blog/understand-why-people-ghost-in-modern-dating
- https://www.talktoangel.com/blog/tips-to-cope-with-ghosting-in-relationship