Why People Get Ghosted — And Why It Really Hurts (And What You Can Do About It)
In our digitally connected world, many adults experience ghosting — a sudden end of contact without explanation — not just in dating, but also in friendships and important relationships. As a therapist in Frisco, TX, I’ve seen firsthand how confusing and painful ghosting can be for clients who are left wondering why it happened and what it means about them.
What Is Ghosting?
Ghosting is when someone abruptly stops responding — texting, calling, or engaging — without any explanation. While it first became widely talked about in dating contexts, it also occurs in friendships, family relationships, and even professional interactions.
Common Reasons People Ghost
According to experts, ghosting isn’t always a reflection of the person who was ghosted — meaning sometimes it’s about the ghoster’s struggles, not something you did wrong. Some common reasons include:
Fear of confrontation or discomfort with honest communication — Many people simply lack confidence or skills to deliver difficult messages directly.
Overwhelm or mental health struggles — Life stress, trauma, or emotional overload can make someone withdraw without explaining.
Different expectations in the relationship — One person sees the connection as casual while the other sees it as meaningful.
Avoidance of conflict or emotional discomfort — Ghosting can feel “easier” than having a vulnerable conversation.
Personality traits or communication patterns — Some individuals with difficulties around empathy or commitment may default to avoidance.
Why Being Ghosted Feels So Painful
People who are ghosted often describe the experience as confusing and emotionally distressing — sometimes even more painful than direct rejection — because they are left without closure. Research shows that the ambiguity and lack of explanation can:
Trigger intense emotional pain and rumination.
Damage self-esteem and self-worth as people wonder what went wrong.
Activate the same brain regions associated with physical pain — making emotional rejection feel like a threat.
Lead to prolonged anxiety, self-doubt, and difficulty trusting in future relationships.
Ghosting in Friendships Can Hurt Deeply
While casual acquaintances are easier to let go, being ghosted by someone you trusted and cared about — like a close friend — can feel like a loss or rejection of your identity and worth. Psychology Today highlights that when this happens, people often cycle through denial, grief, guilt, and confusion because they’re left without answers.
Healthy Ways to Cope
If you’ve been ghosted and are struggling with the aftermath, consider these approaches:
Acknowledge your feelings: Emotional responses like sadness, anger, and grief are valid — and they deserve attention.
Seek closure from within: Closure doesn’t always come from the other person; sometimes it comes from understanding there was nothing you did wrong.
Develop communication skills: Learning how to express needs and boundaries in relationships can increase confidence and resilience.
Talk with a therapist: Healing from confusing rejection often involves unpacking deep-seated thoughts about self-worth and connection.
Schedule a Session With a Therapist in Frisco, TX
If you’ve been ghosted — by a friend, partner, or anyone significant — and you’re still wrestling with unanswered questions or emotional pain, you don’t have to navigate it alone. As a licensed therapist in Frisco, TX, I help individuals:
Understand and process hurtful endings
Build healthy communication skills
Rebuild self-esteem and trust in relationships
Find peace and closure so you can move forward confidently
👉 Contact my practice today to schedule a consultation and begin healing from the emotional impact of ghosting.