Ghosting, the ultimate disappearing act. Most of us have been there – investing in someone only to have them disappear into thin air like a Snapchat story. But what about when it is time for us to disappear? As much as ghosting can sting, there are times when it might just be the right thing to do. When is it time to pull the plug and ghost someone?
Here are some signs that it is time to let go:
Hot and cold behaviour
If someone constantly sends you mixed signals, making you feel stuck in a relationship rollercoaster, it may be time to re-evaluate. Hot and cold behaviour where someone is intensely interested one day and completely distant the next can be emotionally draining and toxic. When someone plays games with your emotions, it is a major red flag, making you constantly question their intentions or your own worth. This behaviour may lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and insecurities. If you continually try to decode someone’s behaviour and seek reassurance, it is likely time to cut ties and ghost them. Your emotional well-being deserves better than to be treated like a yo-yo.
You are simply not happy
If you constantly feel unfulfilled, restless, or dissatisfied in your relationship, it may be time to acknowledge the elephant in the room: you are not happy. It is easy to get caught up in the idea of “making it work” or investing too much time and emotion to turn back now. But the truth is, your happiness matters. Suppose you are constantly feeling drained and anxious. Do not ignore your intuition or convince yourself that things will magically improve. Instead, take an honest look at your relationship and acknowledge that it is okay to walk away from it if it is no longer serving you. Your happiness is worth fighting for, and sometimes, that means letting go.
They are emotionally unavailable
If someone is distant, unresponsive, or shut off from their emotions, it may be a sign that they are emotionally unavailable. This can manifest in different ways, such as avoiding intimate conversations, being unresponsive to your emotional needs, or constantly prioritising other things over your relationship. When someone is emotionally unavailable, it can leave you feeling unheard, unseen, and unvalued. You might find yourself trying to break down their walls or getting them to open up. Ultimately, it is not your job to fix someone else’s emotional unavailability. Recognise that you need someone present, supportive, and willing to engage with you on a deeper level. It is okay to acknowledge that this person cannot meet your emotional needs, and that you need to walk away.
You are not growing as a person in the relationship
If you feel like you are in a rut and not evolving as a person, it may be a sign that the relationship is holding you back. In a genuinely nourishing partnership, you should feel inspired, motivated, and supported to pursue your passions and interests. But if you are constantly feeling drained and limited or losing yourself in the process, it is time to leave. Ask yourself: am I learning new things? Am I challenging myself? Am I becoming the best version of myself? If the answer is no, then it may be time to acknowledge that this relationship no longer serves your growth. Personal evolution is crucial, and you deserve a partnership that fuels your progress, not stifles it.
They bring out the worst in you
If being around someone constantly makes you feel bad about yourself, triggers negative emotions, or brings out behaviours you are not proud of, it is a major red flag. When someone brings out the worst in you, it can be damaging to your self-esteem, mental health, and general well-being. You might become more anxious, defensive, irritable, or even engage in self-destructive patterns. A healthy relationship should uplift and support you, not drag you down. If someone constantly makes you feel worse and not better, it is time to re-evaluate the relationship and prioritise your emotional safety. You deserve someone who brings out your best, not your worst.
Ghosting is often viewed as a negative phenomenon, but sometimes, it can be a necessary act of self-preservation. Recognising when a relationship is no longer serving you is crucial, and knowing when to walk away can be a sign of strength rather than weakness. You deserve a relationship that uplifts, supports, and nourishes your mind, body, and soul.
