When it comes to ghosting, Bradley students have no shortage of opinions.
For those who don’t know, the act of ghosting is defined as “the practice of suddenly ending all contact with a person without explanation, especially in a romantic relationship,” according to Dictionary.com.
This doesn’t mean someone takes more than 24 hours to respond to your texts, and don’t get me started on those who randomly pop up in your life every few weeks then are gone as suddenly as they reappeared. This is the flat out end of an almost relationship.
When asked if students would rather be told they weren’t what someone wanted or be left with no finalization, they preferred the former.
“Being told up front means there’s no question behind it, it’s like ripping off a Band-Aid,” junior accounting major Allison Mitchell said. “I’d rather know right away so they’re not leading me on, whereas with ghosting, you’re constantly second guessing if they like you.”
The fear of not finding love is a common theme for young adults, hence the countless romantic comedies, self-help books on how to make someone fall for you and constant social media attention based around our need to couple up. How many times have you seen a “boys take notes” or “get you a girl who” tweets in the past week? I’ll rest my case.
And each of those factors could make a compelling argument that ghosting is a better way of ending things. Walking away means avoiding the sting of telling someone why you don’t like them or the reason you won’t work together, which are not always the most uplifting sentiments to share.
The conversation may be hard, and many of us struggle with a rise in insecurities after a break-up, but it’s better than being left on “read” with no reason – especially when, in either situation, it’s no one’s fault if feelings aren’t there.
Yet, ghosting is sadly a part of our society now.
“It’s a rude way to tell someone you don’t want to talk to them,” senior finance major Maliq Mistar said. “But if they’re going to ghost you, then they’re not worth it.”
Which is a hard pill to swallow, but it’s the only medicine to take post-ghost. Not everyone is going to like us. Every relationship we try won’t work out. But when it comes to the end, Bradley students are in agreement that ghosting should never be the option.
