Tag: coping with dating

Imagine this: you’re all geared up for what looks like a promising connection. You’ve been messaging someone who sparked your interest, fantasizing about cozy coffee dates and leisurely strolls in the park. But then, as if by some cruel magic trick, they disappear. Welcome to the perplexing world of ghosting in modern dating – a phenomenon more confounding than a Houdini act, minus the applause.

In today’s digital dating realm, a staggering 80% of online daters have felt the chill of being ghosted. It’s become almost a rite of passage: 70% get ghosted before even meeting face-to-face, 25%  after a few casual meet-ups, and 10% after a couple of months into what seemed like a promising relationship.

But what’s really behind this vanishing act? Is it ever justifiable? Understanding the dynamics behind ghosting could be the antidote to coping with its sting.

When Ghosting Isn’t the Worst Idea Ever

Ghosting, while usually a big no-no, sometimes tiptoes into a murky zone where it’s somewhat understandable: 

• Safety First: Trust your gut. If you feel threatened or unsafe, ghosting transforms from a social faux pas into a necessary act of self-preservation. In such scenarios, being ‘Casper the Safety-First Ghost’ is not just acceptable, but advisable.
• Early Game Ghosting: During the initial chit-chat phase online, if the spark just isn’t there, ghosting becomes an unspoken yet mutual exit strategy. Think of it as the digital equivalent of politely excusing yourself from a lukewarm conversation without the awkwardness of a formal goodbye. 
• Mutual Meh: Sometimes, after a first meet-up, both parties share a tacit understanding that the chemistry just isn’t there. This mutual disinterest often leads to a ghosting that feels more like a silent nod of agreement to move on, each with a quiet wish of good luck to the other.

Inexcusable Ghosting: Peeling Back the Layers

Beyond the more normalized ghosting circumstances, the reasons behind ghosting are multifaceted and often complex:

• Confrontation, No Thanks: Let’s face it – some people are just terrible at confrontations. The mere thought brings a wave of anxiety, making ghosting seem like a less daunting path. 
• Digital Distance: The virtual barrier of online dating can sometimes reduce the perceived emotional stakes, making it easier to ghost someone you’ve only interacted with through a screen. A richer, more authentic connection method (ahem, video profiles), can foster deeper emotional connections, potentially reducing the likelihood of ghosting
• Choice Overload: With an overwhelming array of options in the online dating world, ghosting can inadvertently become a method for managing too many proverbial balls in the air. 
• Covert Narcissism. This one’s particularly troubling, often emerging in deeper relationship stages. Beware of the narcissist’s playbook: they’re often the ones who lovebomb (shower with affection at the outset) and then ghost, using this tactic to maintain control and incite a chase – a glaring red flag of emotional manipulation.

Coping with Ghosting: Strategies for Moving Forward:

The impact of ghosting goes deep, often leading to self-doubt and emotional turmoil. Understanding the reasons and having strategies can help mitigate the damage: 

• It’s Not You, It’s Them: Remember, ghosting is more about the ghoster’s hang-ups than your worth or deficiences. Think back to the various ghoster archetypes – the confrontation-shy, the decision-paralyzed, and the emotional manipulators.
• Self-Care Squad: The cumulative effect of even casual ghosting can wear you down, so prioritizing your emotional health is key. Never underestimate the power of leaning on friends, indulging in self-care, or seeking professional support. Healing begins with acknowledging your feelings and taking steps to care for your emotional wellbeing. 
• Advocate for Honesty: Fostering a culture of genuine, open communication in the digital dating sphere can play a pivotal role in reducing ghosting. Embracing vulnerability and honesty from the get-go can cultivate deeper, more sincere connections and diminish the ghosting phenomenon.

In the ghastly world of ghosting, understanding the why and how can equip us to handle these sudden disappearances with resilience and less self-reproach. Championing a culture of honesty and forthright communication, even in a digital age, can potentially transform ghosting into the dating misstep it should be. At FFWD, that’s our guiding light, and we invite you to join us in turning this vision into reality.