"He was cute. Smart. Educated. He had me giggling through that first date. Maybe he mentioned empathy in his profile-that garnered extra points. Or grandkids or sushi or kindness, or-(insert your sought-after partner quality here). We spent several hours together, talking, sipping coffee, going for a walk. After that, he kissed me. He broke the lip lock to say I was a good kisser (this must be what guy code tells them to say; I've heard it more than once)."
"Afterwards, I might have told a girlfriend he was interesting and I'd go out with him again. As years passed, though, I told her sure, I'd see him again, but he'll probably never be in touch. We laughed, but often it was true. I might reach out one final time and get... radio silence. Ghosted. Lately, I'm so glad. To be honest, I've inadvertently ghosted others."
Dozens of first dates often follow a familiar arc: pleasant conversation, small chemistry, and eventual silence. Ghosting frequently functions as an unambiguous signal that the other person is not interested, removing the need for continued wondering or effort. Some people also ghost inadvertently when delayed replies make follow-up awkward. Repeatedly pursuing uninterested partners produces emotional labor, burnout, and unhealthy dynamics. Setting boundaries and accepting disinterest reduces emotional burden. Surviving ghosting is possible, and responding by moving on can lead to better matches and a healthier frame of mind.
Read at Psychology Today
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