Relationship experts say doing so can even help prevent the emotional whiplash of ghosting before it strikes.

While theyre certainlycapableof disappearing at any point, you may also have some agency to keep that from happening.

Do your part to communicate clearly

Healthy communication goes two ways.

alt

Vacation Fling Gets a Reality Check in New Romance Book Swept Away

3.

Do you want someone who is responsive to your text messages at least once or twice a day?

Do you want someone whos looking for a particular kind of dating outcome?

Two people’s legs touch under a table as they work on their laptops.

licensed clinical psychologist at The Family Institute at Northwestern University

4 tips for preventing emotional anguish after getting ghosted

1.

Resist the urge to take ghosting personally

Its only natural to feel confused should someone you care about disappear.

For them, its easier to avoid confrontation than simply break up.

Books on grief are seen floating against a backdrop of clouds.

Therapists love to say, the way out is through, says Dr. Solomon.

Recognize the external forces that facilitate ghosting

Yes, the ghoster is fully to blame for their ghosting actions.

Ghosting is part and parcel of the low-accountability dating climate that exists right now, says Dr. Solomon.

alt

To know its not just happening to it’s possible for you to really help.

Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.

Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, and Leslie Bibb in The White Lotus, symbolizing toxic friendships.

licensed clinical psychologist at The Family Institute at Northwestern University

alt

Courtesy Berkley Publishing