While we can certainly run wild with this, many of you might say it's when the breakup comes on the heels of an exposed affair. ("Yes, I'm with someone else now, so we're through.")
That's undoubtedly a terrible way for a relationship to meet its demise. Cheating, after all, is a deplorable act; it is hands down the most egregious breach of trust one can carry out.
But the case can also be made for ghosting. Ghosting, by definition, is the practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and inexplicably withdrawing from all communication.
Ending a relationship in this way is callous and dastardly, especially if both partners have been together for an extended period of time.
The most appropriate way to do it is face-to-face.
Breaking up with someone via text or email smacks of insensitivity, but it's still better than ceasing contact altogether.
When you ghost someone, you leave them in the dark wondering what the heck they did wrong.
After trying to reach you by phone, social media, text, or in person without success, they may actually fear for your safety, especially if you're not someone who typically goes MIA.
This may prompt them to reach out to a relative or friend who may know of your whereabouts.
Even if someone has done something to upset you greatly, falling off the face of the earth is no way to get back at them.
It's normal for there to be no contact for a couple of days following a big argument, but once it's apparent that the ghosting is inducing stress and worry in the other person, it's time to reestablish contact.
At that point, the one who intends to break up with the other should make it official so that both individuals can move on with their lives.
It's no surprise that many people refuse to forgive those who have ghosted them. Ignoring someone completely -- even after repeated pleas to hear from them -- can leave a bitter taste in anyone's mouth.
Ghosting is wholly unacceptable. I would expect such behavior from a child, but not an adult.
Ending a relationship should be done tactfully, no matter how much you may despise the individual.
If you wouldn't want someone ghosting you, don't do it to them.
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