Hey, daters! We've all been there—you're vibing with someone new, feeling those butterflies, and then, poof! They vanish into thin air. Ghosting is a frustrating reality in the dating world, but it doesn't have to be. happn’s dating expert Simone Quist Mathiesen gives us the lowdown on why honesty truly is the best policy and how you can become a better dater by ditching the ghosting habit.
Why ghosting hurts and how to avoid it
Ghosting happens when someone suddenly cuts off all communication without explanation. It’s an easy out, but it leaves the other person confused and hurt. According to a survey by happn, most users value honesty over being ghosted.
Simone’s Tip: "Ending things is never fun, but honesty is key. If you feel you're not a Crush,, be brave enough to say so. It's much better than leaving someone hanging."
Ghosting can make people hesitant to date or take the initiative because they fear being ghosted themselves. Instead of contributing to this cycle, let’s break it by being straightforward.
Behaving differently in real life
A common complaint is that people often behave differently in person than they do online. About 30% of users feel their date's real-life persona doesn’t match their online one.
Simone’s Tip: "Nerves can make us act differently, but try to find a balance. Be yourself in both your messages and in person to avoid any confusion."
When the behavior doesn’t match, it can lead to ghosting because people feel misled. So, keep it real from the start and avoid saying things online that you wouldn’t say face-to-face.
Take responsibility and be a better dater
When asked how they want people to behave on dating apps, users had some clear advice: Be consistent, respectful, and genuine.
User Tips:
Act the same way in person as you do online.
Show genuine interest in the conversation.
Be polite and serious. If you’re not feeling it, let them know respectfully.
Don’t wait for the other person to always make the first move—send that message!
Simone’s Final Thought: "Online dating has changed how we form and end relationships, but we can't blame the apps entirely. We need to take responsibility for our behavior and treat others with respect."
How to handle ghosting and move forward
Acknowledge Your Feelings: It's okay to feel hurt if you've been ghosted. Acknowledge your emotions and give yourself time to process.
Communicate Clearly: If you’re the one feeling uncertain, communicate your feelings honestly instead of disappearing.
Stay True to Yourself: Maintain your authenticity in both online chats and real-life meetings.
Dating should be fun and exciting, not a source of anxiety. By being honest and genuine, you can help create a better dating experience for everyone. So next time you're thinking about ghosting, take a deep breath and just say it like it is.
Ready to stop ghosting and start connecting? Open happn and let the dating adventures begin!
