In today's digital dating world, a word called Ghostlighting is rapidly gaining popularity. It is not just a word, it is a trend that is taking people in its grip. Let us first talk about this word. The word Ghostlighting is made up of Ghosting and Gaslighting. Obviously its behavior will also be a combination of both. So let us understand its definition.

We know that going somewhere without informing the person you are in a relationship with is called ghosting. Similarly, blaming the partner for all the misunderstandings or problems in a relationship between two people is called gaslighting. Now let's talk about ghostlighting. Suppose the person you are dating suddenly disappears without informing you, and then returns after some time. On returning, he/she behaves as if nothing happened and you are responsible for whatever happened. That is, this is a mix of ghosting and gaslighting, which is much more dangerous than both of these.

In such a situation, the people in the relationship not only become victims of mental torture, but they also lose their self-confidence and slowly start blaming themselves for everything that goes wrong. This is more dangerous than ghosting because in this the person who disappears does not just break contact, but cleverly breaks you emotionally.

What is ghostlighting in dating?

In today's modern dating world, the dangerous trend of ghosting has emerged rapidly. In this trend, which has emerged as a combination of ghosting and gaslighting, someone suddenly disappears one day without any contact. But after some time he returns and completely denies the disappearance or blames his partner for it. This is not just someone becoming silent, it is a game that is played very cleverly with someone's emotions, which increases confusion or tension. People suffer in ghosting, but they have the satisfaction that everything is over. But in ghostlighting, old wounds become fresh again. Its victims start questioning their memory, emotions and truth.

Ghostlighting destroys self-confidence and emotional stability. Someone suddenly disappearing and then returning as if nothing had happened increases stress and self-distrust, causing victims to doubt their own conclusions and memories. This behavior can also be emotional manipulation, in which the returning person wants to establish authority or power over the relationship. Ghostlighting also creates false hope, making the victim believe that the relationship can be saved. Ultimately, ghostlighting damages trust, which makes the victim afraid to trust anyone in the future.

Why is ghostlighting a growing trend?

Digital dating has played a major role in this. Dating apps have encouraged the use-and-let-go mentality. There is no pressure of responsibility to respond. With the never-ending swiping option, some people choose to disappear to avoid uncomfortable discussions. Then, when they feel guilty or are bored with their lives, they return without explaining their past behaviour. Ghostlighting is a shortcut for people who want an emotional connection but want to avoid the responsibilities of a relationship.

It is more dangerous than ghosting or gaslighting

Ghosting hurts because of the lack of closure and gaslighting is harmful because it distorts the truth, while ghosting is both. Victims not only feel abandoned, but are also cleverly led to believe that nothing has happened or that they are overthinking.

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