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Why Ghosting Hurts So Much
In the last few months, I had to make some difficult decisions about my life. A major one was cutting ties to an organization I had been involved with for many years. A few people close to me knew I was considering leaving for a long time, so it was not a complete surprise when I did it.
I left behind several friends. After I shared my decision via email, most of my friends wished me well and kept in touch via social media. However, one ghosted me.
I had been friends with this person for many years, so I was shocked that she stopped contact with me. I had been telling her for many months that I was thinking of leaving so it would not have been a shock to her.
I did contact her twice after that and sent her something she had been interested in. Crickets. She did not even thank me for it. When I realized I had been ghosted, I was overwhelmed with unexpected emotions such as hurt, anger, and grief. I had to face that I was deeply hurt.
Dealing With the Hurt of Ghosting
Ghosting is usually associated with romantic relationships but can happen in friendships and other connections as well.
Recognizing the hurt
I realized that I was going through a process that started with coming out of denial. I could not pretend that we were still friends at the same…
