If you asked me last year, I would’ve said ghosting was my favorite hobby. I was a proud supporter of the silent exit. No text, no explanation, no messy feelings. Just poof. Gone. Efficient, right?

But in 2025, I made myself a little promise: ghost less. Honestly, it felt like I was betraying my own brand at first. Yet here we are, at the start of the new year, and I’ve got thoughts.

Ghosting feels easier… until it doesn’t

Sure, it’s tempting to vanish instead of typing out a text. But sometimes disappearing actually makes me feel worse. It’s like the half-finished project sitting in the corner—you can ignore it, but you know it’s there. Sending one quick message can be painful in the moment, but at least it clears the air.

Closure can be one sentence

Who knew a single sentence could do so much heavy lifting? A quick “Hey, I don’t think this is going anywhere, but wish you the best” is simple, clear, and stops the endless drafts you’d otherwise spiral over. Nobody needs an essay. Just send the text and move on.

Some people still don’t deserve it

Let’s not get it twisted—I haven’t gone full saint. Some people do not get a goodbye. If someone’s been disrespectful, creepy, or just flat-out exhausting, ghosting is still the safest and smartest choice. Protecting your peace > protecting their ego.

Respect feels better than silence

Here’s what surprised me most: ghosting less isn’t about them. It’s about me. Sending that “no thanks” text makes me feel like I handled it with respect—for them, sure, but mostly for myself. There’s power in being upfront and knowing you didn’t leave loose ends.

So, am I still a ghoster at heart? Maybe a little. But this year taught me that hitting send can feel just as good as disappearing into the void. And honestly, that tiny shift might be the best thing I’ve learned in dating this year.

Love, Laura

PS: To anyone I ghosted in 2025… don’t worry, I probably had my reasons (or just didn’t want to text).