**Ghostlighting: A Toxic New Dating Trend That’s Leaving People Behind**
In the age of online dating, it seems like there’s a new trend emerging every day. Some are harmless, like the rise of pet-friendly dating profiles. Others, like the recent trend of ghostlighting, are downright toxic.
Ghostlighting is a new dating trend that involves someone leading another person on, only to suddenly disappear without explanation. It’s like ghosting, but with a cruel twist: the ghoster will often continue to view the ghosted person’s social media profiles, like their photos, and even leave cryptic comments. This can be incredibly confusing and hurtful for the person who has been ghosted.
There are a few reasons why someone might ghostlight. They may be bored with the person they’re dating, or they may have met someone else. They may also be afraid of commitment or intimacy. Whatever the reason, ghostlighting is never okay.
**The Impact of Ghostlighting**
Ghostlighting can have a devastating impact on the person who has been ghosted. It can lead to feelings of confusion, rejection, and insecurity. It can also make it difficult to trust others in the future.
**How to Avoid Ghostlighting**
If you’re worried about being ghosted, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself.
* **Trust your instincts.** If you feel like something is wrong, it probably is. Don’t ignore red flags, and don’t be afraid to walk away from a relationship that doesn’t feel right.
* **Communicate openly and honestly.** If you’re not sure where you stand with someone, ask them. Don’t be afraid to talk about your feelings and expectations.
* **Set boundaries.** Let the other person know that you’re not okay with being ghosted. If they disappear without explanation, don’t chase them. Move on and find someone who treats you with respect.
**If You’ve Been Ghosted**
If you’ve been ghosted, it’s important to remember that it’s not your fault. You did nothing wrong. Ghosting is a reflection of the other person’s immaturity and lack of respect.
Here are a few things you can do to cope with being ghosted:
* **Allow yourself to grieve.** It’s okay to feel sad, angry, and confused after being ghosted. Don’t try to suppress your emotions. Allow yourself to feel them and process them in your own way.
* **Talk to someone you trust.** Talking to a friend, family member, or therapist can help you to process your emotions and make sense of what happened.
* **Focus on yourself.** Take some time to focus on your own needs and happiness. Do things that make you feel good and surround yourself with people who care about you.
* **Learn from the experience.** Ghosting can be a painful experience, but it can also be a learning opportunity. Take some time to reflect on what happened and what you could have done differently. This can help you to avoid being ghosted in the future.
Ghostlighting is a toxic dating trend that can have a devastating impact on the person who has been ghosted. If you’re worried about being ghosted, trust your instincts, communicate openly and honestly, and set boundaries. If you’ve been ghosted, allow yourself to grieve, talk to someone you trust, focus on yourself, and learn from the experience..
