Ghosting is one of the most frustrating and confusing experiences in modern dating. One moment, you’re having a great conversation, making plans, and feeling connected. The next? Silence. No replies, no explanations, just… nothing. We get it, and we share your frustration.
If you’ve been ghosted, you might be wondering what went wrong. Was it something you said? Did they lose interest overnight? The truth is, ghosting says more about the person doing it than it does about you. Let’s dive into why ghosting happens, how to handle it, and why you shouldn’t take it personally.
Why Do People Ghost?
Communication is a lost art form. People think it’s easier to disappear into the abyss rather than excuse themselves and see themselves out. It’s the anti-confrontation era, it seems. People are losing the ability to talk to people, sticking to apps like TikTok and Instagram for socialization. It sucks, but there’s a whole array of reasons why it can happen.
Before you blame yourself, understand that ghosting often reflects the ghoster’s emotional capacity, not your worth. Here are a few common reasons people disappear without a word:
- Fear of confrontation
Some people avoid uncomfortable conversations and would instead vanish than communicate honestly. - Emotional unavailability
They may not be ready for something serious and don’t know how to express that. - Lack of interest
Instead of having a mature breakup conversation, they take the easy (but inconsiderate) way out. - Personal struggles
Sometimes, people ghost due to personal issues unrelated to you, like mental health struggles, stress, or major life changes. - Too many people to talk to, so little time
Online dating is overwhelming. With over 50 million people on dating apps, 78% of users feel "emotionally, mentally, or physically exhausted" by their experiences.
Regardless of the reason, ghosting is more about their inability to communicate than any fault of yours. So, how do you handle it without getting closure?
How to Handle Being Ghosted
The first rule of ghosting is not to chase the ghost.
We understand you want closure, but sending multiple messages asking what happened won’t change the outcome. If someone truly values you, they wouldn’t leave you guessing– that’s the sad (and painful) truth.
While it’s tempting to send a final message saying, “Hey, I get it, but ghosting isn’t cool,” most ghosters won’t give you the response you want if they even read your message at all. Save your energy for people who communicate with respect.
Consider this an early red flag, and congrats on dodging future heartbreak.
Tired of Being Ghosted?
While we can’t control people in the wild (aka off the app), InTIMID does its due diligence to deepen connections and foster lasting communication by using icebreakers to highlight common traits.
Our built-in features minimize ghosting by encouraging active communication, accountability, and respectful interactions—so you spend less time wondering and more time making real connections. Sign up for free here!
