Ghosting is Bad, Mmkay?

Hi everyone,

I wasn't planning on writing anything until I had a good conversation online with a friend this morning. He brought up the subject of ghosting. He didn't like the fact that a casual friend had blocked him and basically ghosted him when all he was trying to check in and see how that person was doing. It reminded me of a former friend who did things that were very similar to what he was describing to myself and others.

Ghosting is defined as "the practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication." By that definition, I guess I've ghosted a few people in my time. However, these actions are usually not intentional. Most times it was just because I lost contact with the other person and didn't know how to reach them. This was especially true before the Internet, when people would change schools or move out of town. I don't intentionally stop talking to someone unless they treat myself or others poorly, or they sit back and allow such treatment to happen. I'm nice to everyone, but I don't have time for nonsense. I'd rather focus my energies and attention on people who treat others how they want to be treated.

I've been ghosted by more than a few people in my lifetime, and I'm sure it will continue to happen. Most times, I don't even give it a second thought. Intentional ghosting is a form of emotional abuse. It's immature and unacceptable. I may think about it once in a while, but I try not to let ghosting bring me down, because I know that I deserve better than that.

If anyone feels that I've ever intentionally ghosted them, I want to personally apologize for that. If you feel like I cut you off on social media, please know that I would dream of hurting anyone. I don't communicate with people as often as I'd like, but that's usually because I'm busy with work and other responsibilities. It's nothing personal. Social media doesn't hold my interest as much as it used to. If we used to be social media friends and you see that we're not, please feel free to friend request me if you'd like. Sometimes my accounts unfriend certain people if I haven't interacted with them a lot. I've had other friends complain about this problem with their accounts as well.

That's all I have to say for now. I hope everyone is doing well in these unprecedented time. Until next time, have a great day and remember to treat others well. Thanks!