Ghostlighting Is the Grim New Dating Trend We’re Already Tired Of

Ghostlighting tests one’s patience and emotions. It combines the hurtful experiences of ghosting and gaslighting, leaving people feeling confused and even heartbroken. Ghosting happens when we’re interested in somebody only for them to suddenly disappear without warning, creating a state of radio silence and self-doubt. Ghostlighting takes ghosting to a whole new level. It involves the person who did the ghosting reappearing to gaslight why they disappeared.

The New Ghostlighting Trend

Ghostlighting is the manipulation of emotions and perceptions of reality. It is an emotional manipulation tactic where the gaslighter constantly undermines, denies, questions, and distorts the victim’s reality, making them doubt their own experiences. Experts emphasize the importance of equality in healthy relationships, highlighting that an imbalance of power can lead to toxicity. Ghostlighting disrupts this balance by allowing the ‘ghoster’ to regain control of the narrative, shifting blame onto the victim.

Ghostlighting becomes difficult to deal with when someone who initially ghosted somebody else reappears in their life. There could be many reasons for their return, including insecurity, jealousy, or a tendency to repeatedly ghost and reappear. Insecurity may lead them to justify their actions by putting blame on the victim, while jealousy could drive them to crush the victim’s happiness.

Ghostlighting Relies on Manipulating

Identifying a ghostlighter can be tricky because their return may initially seem like a second chance or a sign of the victim’s worth. However, it’s crucial to recognize manipulative behavior and be careful. A lack of self-awareness and understanding of healthy relationships can make young adults vulnerable to mistaking unkind actions for love.

Relationships should never mistake power assertion for authentic love. Protecting our mental health and energy is just as important as being kind and forgiving to others. Staying away from such relationships is best for one’s well-being, which is always a top priority. Prioritizing self-care is ultimately the best protection from ghostlighters.