The Psychology of People Who Ghost (And How to Heal)

They stop replying. No explanation. No goodbye. Just silence. If you've ever been ghosted, you know the sting — the confusion, the self-doubt, the endless “what did I do wrong?” Ghosting hurts. But it’s not always about you. Let’s unpack the psychology behind ghosting — and how to emotionally recover from it. Why Do People Ghost? (It’s Not Just Cruelty) Many people ghost not out of malice, but avoidance. Here are common reasons: Conflict Avoidance : They don’t know how to handle emotional discomfort Overwhelm : The connection felt too intense or fast Emotional Immaturity : Lacking skills to end things respectfully Shame or Anxiety : Fear of confrontation or rejection It’s not an excuse — but it explains the behavior. What Ghosting Does to Your Brain Ghosting triggers: Rejection sensitivity Ruminating thoughts (“Did I say something wrong?”) Feelings of worthlessness Why? Because your brain craves closure . And ghosting offers none. How to He...