Ending a relationship is never easy, but there are some ways it can hurt more than others. One such method is the famous “ghosting” method, in which a person simply disappears without giving explanations. It’s like literally turning into a ghost!
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Recent research by experts at California Polytechnic State University revealed that “ghosting” has a significant emotional impact on a person who is abandoned in this way. An abrupt and unexplained termination leaves a state of uncertainty that makes it difficult to explore new romantic relationships.
Signs of “ghosting” in relationships
With the increasing presence of technology in our lives, we can reach an infinite number of people through dating apps and social networks. It ends up making the partners more fungible and gives the “ghosts” a sense of security and anonymity only to disappear without explanation.
To better understand this experience, the researchers interviewed 21 young men who had been victims of ghosting. They identified four main axes that define this situation.
The first topic is confusion. People who get fired in this way are confused, trying to make sense of what happened and blaming themselves for something that may not have been their fault. It’s a painful question: “Did I do something wrong?”
Another topic is Find excuses. Victims try to find reasons to break up, but this ends up stifling their true feelings of disappointment and grief.
The annoying effect of “ghosting” is Afraid of opening up again In the future. People become afraid of entering new relationships, unsure of ever getting hurt again. It ends up being difficult to connect with someone new.
And we can’t forget The role of technology in all this! Online dating apps make it easier for “ghosts” to break up without them having to face the consequences of their actions. It’s as if they could just disappear into the virtual world without a trace.
The researchers also suggest that certain personality characteristics, such as narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism, can influence the tendency to practice “ghosting.”
If you have practiced ghosting, it is important to reflect on your actions and work on being able to communicate directly, even when conversation is difficult. Seeking help from a mental health professional can be a good option for developing empathy in interpersonal relationships.
For those who have been victims of this abrupt termination, remember that you are not alone in this situation. Avoid blaming yourself too much and resist the temptation to contact the ghost again. If necessary, seek support to recover emotionally.
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