Ghosting refers to the abrupt disappearance from a relationship without communication, usually in dating. It can apply to friendships and employment when someone leaves without formally quitting.
On the surface, it looks like a clean break but behind lies hurt feelings, confusion, fear of dating because the person ghosted. The one who ghosts is typically seen as a heartless human being. This is true in some cases.
Here are eight reasons/explanations that the one who ghosted you does not/did not tell you:
1. They're not into you
81% of participants, in a survey conducted by BuzzFeed in 2019, said they ghosted someone because they weren't into them.
Without being interested in you, the other person feels like they don't owe you an explanation or the 'break up' conversation.
2. There were no set expectations
There is no way of weighing the level of interest someone has in a relationship without having the conversation in the early stages of talking or dating. They also feel like they have not invested enough time to owe you that explanation.
3. Priorities changed
Life sometimes gets in the way even when dating is important. This can lead to a reshuffle of priorities especially in the early stages of dating when there has been little physical interaction.
4. Overwhelm
Dating burnout is real and online connections can be overwhelming by the sheer mediums and platforms of connection. This leads people to taking time off from certain platforms and situations without warning.
5. They forgot and coming back was awkward
A busy schedule, talking to numerous potential partners and forgetfulness can make conversations sit for too long. Once enough time has passed, it is hard to restart the conversation or address the silence.
6. It wasn't their ideal relationship
They did not see it working out because of their belief in fate and destiny. People who believe in epic romances, "soul mates" and their "one true love" easily end growing relationships if they think it is not heading in the direction they want.
7. They were triggered
In the same BuzzFeed survey, 64% of the participants said they ghosted someone because they did something they didn't like and 24% said it was because they got angry. Due to the impersonal atmosphere of online dating, people rarely feel safe to communicate honestly their feelings. Ghosting feels like the safer and easier response.