The grieving process

While the trauma of being blocked by a close friend is difficult, most people who have been ghosted also have to deal with the lack of closure. And the feeling of grief that comes with it is akin to not being able to meet a person physically. As Dr Afridi says, “The mind and heart don’t know the difference between the virtual world and reality. There is no difference in how you will feel if someone were to give you the silent treatment in the real world.”

Once the person ghosted understands the permanency of the situation, it is all too likely he or she will link it to the loss of a loved one. “In fact, I think it ( ghosting) is worse than the death of someone you love,” says Sohini. “Sudden death or a death before you are reconciled is horrible. But at least, the finality is not your responsibility. Here, you have to face up to the fact that not only have you lost a loved friend, but she/ he threw you out of his/ her life — without explaining why.” In these cases, there’s little one can do but try to move on. Different people grieve differently, and may take different periods of time to recover. However, Dr Afridi encourages those who have lost friends in this manner to remember that it’s not about you — it’s about them. “If a person has ghosted you, then they do not have consideration for your feelings, and it’s probably best you don’t see it as a form of rejection but a blessing that you no longer have to invest or be in a relationship where you are not being valued,” she explains. “Your worth should not be determined by a person who cannot give you the respect of a mature conversation before ending the relationship.” janice@ khaleej

times. com