If you are a Millenial (born between 1980 and 2000), or a Generation Z (born after 2000), you would agree that trending slang come up faster than you can retain. Also, if you don’t catch up fast, you’ll be left behind and your peers will wonder whether you’ve been on some deserted island since, well, 1979!
Ghosting is one of such words. Ever heard of it? What does it mean? Have you ever been at the receiving end, or done it to someone? Let’s do a little learning.
To ‘ghost’ someone or ‘go ghost’ is to disappear by not calling, texting, or talking to a certain person especially when you no longer want to associate with them for reasons best known to you. Really? I didn’t know that’s what it meant! I can hear you say.
But, that’s not even the whole gist. How can you tell if someone is ‘ghosting‘ or ‘is about to ghost’ you? Here are 6 sure ways to know.
1. They Never Message First
You are the one who always initiate contact. It sucks waiting for him/her to reach out to you, in fact you are always looking at your phone to hear from them – but it just never happens! So you give in – just this once you promise yourself – and text first again against your better judgment. If this pattern continues for a while and you truly feel that they are uninterested, then beware, because this person could easily just cut off all contact at no notice.
2. They Are Always In a Hurry to Leave When With You
Every time you hang out, he or she suddenly has a reason to disappear even though you have only just got together. If it appears that you want to spend more time with them, but they always seem to cut and run, it can only mean one thing. Swallow the bitter pill pal, they are just not into you!
3. They Are ALWAYS Busy
Repeat after me: “If a guy/girl wants to see me, they will, no matter how demanding their schedule is”. Seriously. If I text someone and ask them if they want to hang out , I fully expect an interested person to say, “I’m free on this day at this time”. If I request a specific day and they are unavailable, I fully expect them to say, “Sorry, I can’t that day, but how about this day?”
It’s not hard to make plans and even if you are busy, you should be able to find some time that works for both of you. Trust me, it’s not space science!
4. They Pretend Not To Hear You When You Mention “Hanging Out”
In fact, this is a taboo word with ghosters. You are chatting, or texting and having a swell time until you mention the H word, they suddenly just go quiet. The messaging from their end just stops, or they try to divert the conversation if it’s a physical meeting. Oh! come on, don’t pretend you didn’t see or hear that, when I know your sight and hearing are just perfect!!
5. Their Texts Are Short And Simple
This is an issue when before that time, you both had enjoyed long, interesting and memorable conversations. It goes something like this, and try to notice the ugly trend, especially if this goes on for long periods of time.
You: How are you doing today?
They: Fine.
You: So, what do you think of my new Instagram pictures?
They: Fine, I guess.
You: So, what plans do you have for today?
They: None.
And this is where you give up, because there’s nothing else to add! The ultimate ghoster’s coup de grace.
6. They Always Have An Excuse Ready
The really nasty ones will even get your hopes up, plan to hang out with you and pretend to be excited about it – but you know what comes next – they cancel! They always have a reason why they can’t; some chore to do, an uncle to visit, an emergency that came up.
At times, these may be legitimate (don’t be paranoid). But if it becomes a really noticeable trend, oh boy/girl, you have been ghosted!
These, friends are the top 6 signs. I did promise you that it would be an education, didn’t I? I lived up to the promise, I didn’t ghost you.
