While it may be rude and hurtful to disappear without giving closure, it isn’t as devastating as it is for someone who has been in an established, committed relationship.
To ignore someone, you have a partnership or close friendship with is to invalidate them and their significance.
Invalidation by ignoring somebody is considered one of the most damaging forms of psychological and emotional abuse.
It violates four of our fundamental human needs.
Affection
Understanding
Participation
Identity
Ghosting isn’t just unkind. It is inhumane and it is harmful.
Making the conscious decision to ignore someone without explanation is not only rude and inconsiderate, but it’s downright emotionally and psychologically damaging. In fact, it qualifies as abuse.
Being abandoned, or receiving the silent treatment is painful. The ability to detect ostracism is hardwired into us. Even if brief, it activates the anterior cingulate cortex, the part of the brain that registers pain.
