Have You Ever Been Ghosted? How Did You Feel About It?
William Plange
8x International Best-Selling Author | Founder of “No Human is Useless” | Global Award-Winning Depression Recovery Advocate ???? | Inspiring Speaker | I Write Articles for Businesses | Youth Mentor | Keilani's Dad
Let’s be real—being ghosted, whether online or in person, can feel awkward and hurtful. Imagine reaching out with a friendly message, only to be met with...silence. Or trying to speak to someone, and feeling completely ignored. It can feel personal, like maybe you did something wrong, but what if that’s not the full story?
I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve been ghosted countless times. But over time, I’ve learned not to jump to conclusions or label people as rude or dismissive. I try to remind myself that everyone is dealing with something. Sometimes, people are going through challenges we can’t see; maybe they’re overwhelmed or in the middle of something difficult, even if they don’t realize it themselves.
There are times I haven’t responded right away either. Maybe I was stuck dealing with a problem, in the middle of driving, or simply too busy to engage at that moment. But I always try to circle back, even if it takes a few days because I know what it feels like to be on the other side.
Here’s an example. Recently, I sent a kind message to someone I wanted to connect with. They read it...but didn’t reply. Three hours passed, and I started feeling a bit hurt. But instead of jumping to conclusions, a few thoughts ran through my mind:
But then, I saw them updating posts! And I thought, “All right, so their phone is fine, they’re probably not depressed, and they’re not driving.” I laughed it off, feeling a little silly. Sure, it hurt, but I realized—why should I let it bother me? There’s no need to feel bad over something I can’t control. Who cares?
The truth is, people sometimes send quick messages like “Hello” or “Hi” and expect an immediate response. But for those who are busy, that can be frustrating! I think it’s always best to go straight to the point, especially if you don’t know someone well.
As for me, if someone who ghosted me comes back to reconnect without any explanation, sometimes I’ll give them a taste of their own medicine. Just to make a point, you know? lol
So, what about you? How do you feel when you’re ghosted? And how do you handle it?
Let’s hear your stories!
Operations & Marketing | Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM)
2 周I've never experienced being ghosted, but this short article will help me in the future to avoid stressing myself if someone doesn't reply to my text. I understand that it's all about giving them time. William Plange thanks for sharing sir.
Honoring (Loving) Writers so Writers can Honor (Love) Themselves | Literary Mentor | Developmental Editor | Writer of Magical Realism and Animal Connection
3 周It's terrible, and to me, disrespectful. Messages, texts, etc., are ways of starting a conversation, so when we ignore these, it's like ignoring someone when they are essentially talking to you. I try not to do it. On the other hand, if I don't know you, and you just send me a message like "Hi, how are you today", I don't know the basis for why you are trying to connect with me. I also don't respond to sales messages that say they've checked out my profile and then proceed to offer me a service or product that's completely irrelevant. But yes, getting ghosted is a hot button for me. If I can't give a full answer within a reasonable amount of time, I will at least acknowledge the message and let them know I received it, and that I will respond more fully when I can---it's about treating others the way you want to be treated. If you don't like being ignored and ghosted, then don't do it.
I help amplify the voices of women to create a more significant impact/ Women’s empowerment and Gender Equality Advocate/ Self Development Advocate.
3 周I feel that some people are just not meant to be in your life so regardless of what you do to make them stay, they will eventually leave.
I help amplify the voices of women to create a more significant impact/ Women’s empowerment and Gender Equality Advocate/ Self Development Advocate.
3 周This issue??
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3 周I am having trouble with LinkedIn. This is not my profile. I have been updating my profile and whhen I changed my email, LI created this new profile. So please don't send me messages here because I am not using this profile and hope it will be gone soon.