You don’t need to be dating someone to get ghosted by them.
Friendship ghosting happens too, when someone you consider yourself close to suddenly stops communicating with you, seemingly out of nowhere. Unlike a slow fade, ghosting can feel abrupt, confusing, and hurtful, leaving you wondering what went wrong. While it’s a tough situation to navigate, there are ways to cope and move forward. Here are a few suggestions that might help you.
1. Acknowledge your feelings.
Getting ghosted by a friend can sting, and it’s okay to feel hurt, confused, or even angry. Don’t push your emotions aside — give yourself permission to feel them. Acknowledging your feelings is the first step toward processing what’s happened and starting to heal.
2. Avoid blaming yourself.
When someone ghosts you, it’s easy to spiral into self-blame, wondering what you did wrong. The truth is, ghosting often says more about the other person than it does about you. Try to remind yourself that their decision is out of your control and not necessarily a reflection of your worth.
3. Reflect on the friendship.
Take a moment to think about your relationship with the person. Were there signs of tension, distance, or unresolved issues? While this won’t always provide clear answers, it can help you gain perspective on what might have led to the ghosting. Reflection can offer some clarity and help you process the situation.
4. Give them space.
Your instinct might be to reach out repeatedly for an explanation, but that can push the person further away. Instead, respect their silence and give them space. If they’re dealing with personal issues or simply needed a break, they’ll reach out when they’re ready — and if they don’t, that’s your answer.
5. Avoid over-analysing their behaviour.
It’s tempting to dissect every text, conversation, or interaction to figure out what went wrong. However, over-analysing can lead to unnecessary stress and self-doubt. Accept that you may not have all the answers, and that’s okay. Not everything will have a clear resolution.
6. Reach out once, if it feels right.
If you feel the friendship is worth salvaging, consider reaching out one time to express your feelings. Keep it simple and non-confrontational, like, “I’ve noticed we haven’t talked in a while, and I wanted to check in to see if everything’s okay.” If they don’t respond, take it as a sign to move on.
7. Understand their perspective.
While ghosting isn’t a kind way to handle things, it’s often a reflection of someone else’s discomfort, fear of confrontation, or personal struggles. Try to view the situation with compassion, recognising that their actions likely stem from their own issues rather than something you did.
8. Avoid lashing out.
Feeling hurt can make you want to vent your frustrations, but sending an angry message or publicly calling them out rarely leads to anything positive. Instead, channel your emotions into something constructive, like journaling or talking to a trusted friend. Taking the high road helps you move on with dignity.
9. Lean on other friendships.
Ghosting can make you feel isolated, but remember that one lost connection doesn’t define your entire social circle. Spend time with friends who value and support you. Focusing on the relationships that bring you joy can help you heal and remind you of your worth.
10. Take care of yourself.
Dealing with friendship ghosting can be emotionally draining, so prioritise self-care. Do things that make you feel good, whether it’s exercising, meditating, or binge-watching your favourite show. Taking care of your mental health is crucial as you work through the pain of being ghosted.
11. Accept that closure may not come.
One of the hardest parts of ghosting is the lack of closure. You might never get an explanation, and that can feel frustrating. Accepting this uncertainty is key to moving on. Closure doesn’t always come from the other person — sometimes, you have to create it for yourself.
12. Set boundaries for future friendships.
If ghosting has left you feeling wary, it’s okay to set boundaries in future friendships to protect yourself. Be mindful of how much emotional energy you invest and make sure your relationships feel balanced. Healthy boundaries help you build connections that are mutual and fulfilling.
13. Focus on moving forward.
Source: Unsplash While it’s natural to feel hurt, dwelling on the ghosting for too long can hold you back. Shift your focus to the relationships, goals, and activities that bring positivity into your life. Moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting — it means choosing to prioritise your happiness and well-being over unanswered questions. Friendship ghosting is never easy, but it doesn’t have to define your self-worth or your future relationships. By focusing on healing, self-care, and the connections that truly matter, you can move past the hurt and grow stronger along the way.
