Getting Ghosted? Learn How to Get Over Being Ghosted
If you’re getting ghosted by your partner, it means there’s something wrong with them.
We’ve all seen the typical relationship breakdown; some couples argue as if they have metaphorical knives at each other’s necks, some of them scream at each other, some cry and grovel at each other’s feet, begging and wondering how the relationship has soured.
It’s a common experience shared by many lovers, both new and long-term. However, there’s another common breakup experience that pierces the hearts of many couples—a breakup so silent, yet destructive. It’s called ghosting.
Getting ghosted can happen at any stage; you can be ghosted after a first date, or someone you’ve already established a connection with didn’t show up. However, those don’t compare to the level of getting ghosted by someone you’ve loved.
This phenomenon leaves people questioning what ghosting is and why people have such a hard time getting over the person who ghosted them. Let’s take a deeper dive into what all this is about.
What is Ghosting?
According to VeryWellMind, ghosting is a relatively new colloquial dating term that refers to abruptly cutting off contact with someone without giving that person any warnings. Even if the person getting ghosted reaches out to re-initiate contact or gain closure, they’re only met with silence.
But why is it called ghosting? In the paranormal world, ghosts are specters that vanish out of nowhere as suddenly as they appeared.
In dating, ghosting is someone you’ve talked to and/or asked out on a date with, only for them to disappear without so much as an explanation or silently block your socials so you can’t communicate with them again.
There are several types of ghosting, which we’ll delve deeper into below.
The Different Types of Ghosting
While getting ghosted through classic methods is common, ghosting can manifest in many different ways, especially for couples whose relationships are more established. Here are two of the most recognized ways that often occur when one tries to leave their partner:
Caspering / Soft Ghosting
You’re familiar with Casper the Friendly Ghost, yes? Unlike the usual abrupt silence method of ghosting, Caspering is referred to as a friendly way of ghosting. How it happens is whenever there’s a slow fade or a gradual drop in communication over time.
Whenever someone is pulling a Casper on you, they might take longer than usual to respond to you. People who softly ghost think it is a better and softer way of ending things, but what they don’t realize is that soft ghosting and actual ghosting are equally painful.
Orbiting
Ever experienced getting ghosted by someone, but they’re still visible on social media? You can clearly see them, but you feel far away from them. Like Venus or Jupiter seen in the night sky on certain days, then suddenly they’re gone. That’s orbiting.
What does orbiting mean? A source from VICE says, orbiting is when someone ghosts you, yet still interacts with you on social media via liking your posts, or watching your stories/snaps. They’re there, but they will never respond to you unless the time comes for them to interact with you.
Fact Checks about Ghosting: Misconceptions and Truths
While everyone understands the gist of ghosting—the sudden vanishing act—some of the aspects surrounding it are often misunderstood. People who have been ghosted usually blame themselves for the events that transpired; however, that itself is a misconception born from emotional trauma.
Here are some misconceptions about ghosting, and debunking them with the truth:
It’s Considered Ghosting After a Day of No Communication | False
How long is considered ghosting? The misconception that a single 24-hour period of no contact equals ghosting must be debunked. There’s no definite answer; however, it is understandable that the feeling of abandonment can occur.
A two-day silence after a sudden halt of communication that lasted weeks or more can feel like an eternity—a severe abandoned feeling, you can say. It can be as immediate as being ghosted after a first date, too.
Ghosting is not defined by time; rather, it is characterized by a sudden or unexplained break in consistent communication. People need to understand that someone not communicating for an hour or even ten minutes doesn’t mean they’re ghosting; they could be busy with personal matters, work, or an urgent issue.
While they can be a cautious sign of ghosting, people need to remember other people’s circumstances.
Being ghosted after a first date can drag a person’s self-esteem really low.
The Ghoster Felt Unworthy of You or is Too Much for You | True
People often blame themselves for getting ghosted by their partners or dates. However, people need to understand that it possibly had nothing negative to do with you, but with them.
A common reason would be their lack of emotional intelligence and/or availability. Cutting off contact without warning, amidst a blooming relationship, is a sign that they are not ready to be in a relationship and feel like it would be a disservice to be a partner.
While it is selfish of them to bring no closure or cowardly walk away without giving any reason, it would be best to understand that they saved you from a drawn-out or painful end—at least you wouldn’t need to know what to say to someone who ghosted you.
How to Get Over Being Ghosted by Your Partner
It’s natural for those who have been ghosted to struggle with their self-esteem. They often find themselves with many unanswered questions, and they may never understand why their partners disappeared—an undeniably heartbreaking way to be abandoned.
Should that mean the end of your relationship/dating life? No.
While the effects of being ghosted hurt, it shouldn’t stop you from reclaiming your self-worth and dignity.
Close the Case | No Closure Needed
It is normal to grieve and wonder why they left, but lingering too long in your grief can cause damage to your mental health. The bitter truth is that some answers are better left unspoken to avoid more unnecessary pain or negativity—getting ghosted is already negative enough.
This doesn’t mean you should let it go, but your focus is to accept that there’s nothing more you can do about the situation, give yourself the closure that the ghoster cowardly couldn’t provide, and stop finding reasons.
Learn From Their Folly: A Chance for You to be Better
As stated in the “Fact Checks” section, ghosters lack emotional depth and maturity—they’re not worth your time or love. Learn from their folly and apply those lessons yourself to become better at choosing partners.
This is a chance for you to recognize early warning signs in your dating or relationship journeys—prioritize partners who demonstrate bravery, courage, and respect when confronted with difficulties. Consider the negative experience of being ghosted as a constructive way to elevate your expectations.
References
Gould, Wendy R., and Bree Jenkins. n.d. “Ghosting: What It Means and How to Respond.” Verywell Mind. Accessed October 20, 2025. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-ghosting-5071864.