Ghosting (cutting off communication without explanation) can lead to emotional pain on par with being explicitly rejected. Unlike direct rejection, ghosting leaves people clinging to emotional ties and pursuing contact, and the ambiguous nature of ghosting can prolong distress and impede closure.

## Ghosted? Why It Hurts So Much More Than You Think

**…and what to do about it.**

Okay, let’s talk about something that’s probably happened to most of us: ghosting. You know, when someone just… vanishes. No explanation, no goodbye, just radio silence.

It sucks, right?

But it turns out, it might suck even *more* than we realize.

I stumbled across a really interesting article the other day (thanks, Reddit!). It talked about how ghosting can actually be *more* emotionally damaging than a straight-up rejection. That stopped me in my tracks.

Why?

Well, think about it. When someone tells you they’re not interested, or that they want to break up, at least you have closure. You might not like it, but you *know* where you stand. You can start to process, grieve, and move on.

Ghosting? It’s like being left in limbo.

* **You’re left wondering:** Did I do something wrong? Are they okay? Are they just busy?
* **You keep hoping:** Maybe they’ll text back. Maybe they’ll call. Maybe there’s still a chance.
* **You stay stuck:** You’re clinging to those emotional ties, replaying every interaction, and basically stopping yourself from moving on.

That ambiguity? That’s the killer.

The article I read talked about a study where psychologists simulated ghosting. And the results showed that it really does prolong distress and make closure harder. It keeps you in a state of uncertainty, and that’s incredibly draining.

So, what can you do if you’ve been ghosted? Here are a few thoughts:

* **Acknowledge the pain:** It’s okay to feel hurt, confused, and angry. Don’t minimize it.
* **Resist the urge to chase:** I know it’s tempting to reach out, but often it just keeps you stuck.
* **Talk it out:** Vent to a friend, family member, or therapist. Getting your feelings out can help you process them.
* **Focus on yourself:** Re-engage in activities you enjoy. Spend time with people who make you feel good.
* **Accept that you may never get an explanation:** This is the hardest part, but it’s crucial for moving forward. Sometimes, people just aren’t capable of giving you the closure you deserve.

Ghosting is a crappy thing to do. It says a lot more about the person doing the ghosting than it does about you.

So, be kind to yourself. Let yourself feel. And remember, you deserve someone who communicates openly and honestly, even when it’s hard. You deserve someone who chooses you, not someone who disappears.