Understanding What to Do When A Past Friend Ghosted, Unfriended and Blocked You

We've all experienced it—the so-called "ghosting" of someone close to us. After many years of friendship, you suddenly don't hear from your friend anymore. They've deleted you from their social media accounts, ignored your calls and texts, or flat out told you it's over. You are left alone and wondering what happened, why it happened, and how you can find closure—or even get them back in your life.

If this sounds like a situation you're in, you certainly aren't alone. Seeing a close friend disappear from your life can be heartbreaking and often leaves us feeling insecure and unwanted. It's understandable if you're feeling disheartened and confused about what to do next. But before immediately jumping to the worst possible conclusions about your friend, try to understand why they may have ghosted you in the first place. Were they going through something you weren't aware of? Did they experience some sort of stress that made them feel overwhelmed or unable to communicate with you? Questions like these can help you gain more insight into the situation and determine if it's worth pursuing a resolution.

It is important to ensure that the situation isn't just a misunderstanding before you assume the worst: that your friend truly wants nothing to do with you anymore. If it appears that this is the case, here are some steps to help you cope with the sudden break up:

First of all, don't blame yourself or bring yourself down for something that may or may not be your fault. You may never know the exact reason your friend ghosted you; it could be due to any number of circumstances and/or emotions. Instead of dedicating energy to correlating it with yourself, take the time to reflect upon what the situation has taught you. Acknowledge these lessons, then allow yourself to move forward.

Next, take some time away from the situation to heal. Finding closure on your own is essential for allowing the healing process to begin. Take the opportunity for self-reflection and remember that each experience shapes individuals differently. Use this time to better understand who you are and work to strengthen your relationship with yourself.

Practice being kind to yourself and make a conscious effort to also be kind to others. Journaling can help maintain healthy connections and manage difficult situations. And when it comes to dealing with friends who have cut ties without an explanation, keep an open mind towards new people, places, things, and experiences—they just might surprise you, even after a heartbreak.

Although dealing with a ghosted friend can be painful, trying your best to remain positive and find closure on your own terms can help encourage a healthier mindset moving forward. it's up to you how you handle the situation and how quickly you choose to reclaim ownership over how you respond to life's obstacles.