Ghosted by a friend? Here's the right way to respond 💬

Charlie loves her close friendship with Maria. They've shared so many laughs and deep conversations over the years.

Everything changed one day when her phone messages went unanswered. The silence left Charlie confused and hurt, asking herself what she had done wrong.

Are you going through the same situation? How should you respond after being ghosted by a friend?

Photo by Eric Ward on Unsplash

Friendship is one of life's greatest treasures. It can also bring challenges. One of these challenges is the pain of being ghosted by a friend.

Although ghosting — when someone stops all communication without any explanation — is more commonly associated with dating, it can also happen in friendships.

Being ghosted by a friend can cause you to feel many emotions, such as sadness, anger, and guilt. You may find yourself questioning what went wrong, remembering past conversations, or wondering if you did something that caused them to disappear.

It's completely normal to feel a sense of loss. Friendships provide companionship and support, and when that is suddenly taken away, it can feel as if a part of your life has disappeared.

Feel Your Emotions

Let yourself feel the emotions that come from losing a close connection. Write down your feelings or talk about them with someone you trust.

Reflect

What could have caused this behavior? Did something change? Don't focus on negative thoughts, which can deepen the hurt.

Reach Out

Consider reaching out to your friend for closure. A brief message expressing your feelings can bring clarity. However, be prepared for the possibility that they might not respond.

Find Closure

Take the time to express your feelings in a letter you will never send. It allows you to vent out your hurt and confusion and move forward.

Don't Blame Yourself

The decision to cut off contact reflects the other person's struggles and not your worth. You're not at fault for someone else's choices.

Invest in Yourself

Focus on self-love. Surround yourself with friends and family that will support and lift you. Do activities that bring you joy.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. A mental health professional can offer helpful tools and support you as you work through your feelings after being ghosted by a friend.

Persistent Grief

Your feelings of loss persist for weeks or months and disrupt your life or relationships.

Difficulty Coping

You find it hard to cope with everyday responsibilities or activities that once brought you joy.

Feelings of Anxiety or Depression

You're experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues from losing the friendship.

Trauma Response

The ghosting has triggered emotional pain or unresolved issues from past relationships.

Loneliness

You feel isolated or withdrawn from other friendships and social activities.

Poor Self-Esteem

The loss of the friendship has affected your sense of self-worth.

Being ghosted by a friend can be painful, but it's important to remember that it often reflects more about the other person than about you. Not everyone can handle their emotions or personal struggles. Sometimes, removing themselves from your life is their way of coping.

In time, the pain you feel will fade, and you will look back on the friendship with a new perspective. Learn from the experience and move forward. Invest in friendships that treat you with respect and bring happiness to your life.

Not all friendships are meant to last. Some friends come into our lives to teach us important lessons and then move on, leaving us with memories and shaping us into who we are today.

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