When Friendships Fade: The Reality of Being Ghosted by Friends
I was talking with someone the other day, and they mentioned how it feels to be “ghosted” in friendships. My immediate reaction was — what does that even mean in a friendship? I know about ghosting in dating, but with friends? Sadly, it’s real… and it happens more than we like to admit.
As adults, our lives get full. You might be single with a demanding career. You might have a family and a career. Maybe you’re a single mother juggling work, parenting, and about six other invisible jobs. Life is busy — for all of us. But here’s the truth: just like everything else that matters, friendships require effort.
If you care about someone and want them in your life, you have to treat them like you do.
What “Ghosting” in Friendships Looks Like
Ghosting in friendship isn’t always loud or dramatic — often, it’s quiet. It can look like:
You’re the only one initiating hangouts or phone calls.
They agree to plans, but cancel and never follow up to reschedule.
They consistently avoid responding in a timely way without explanation.
You’re always the one checking in, but they never check on you.
For busy women, especially moms and “boss babes,” I get it — sometimes phone time is all you can give instead of in-person time. But the effort still has to be mutual.
Why This Hurts More Than We Admit
Friendship isn’t just “extra” — it’s a source of support, joy, and connection that we need for our mental and emotional well-being. When one person stops showing up, it leaves the other feeling undervalued, rejected, or even disposable.
The Bottom Line
Stop saying you value someone if your actions constantly put them last. Connection takes intentionality. It’s not about daily texts or weekly brunches — it’s about making sure your friend knows they matter to you.
Sometimes we can’t be as present as we’d like, but there’s a huge difference between being busy and being dismissive. One leaves the door open; the other silently closes it.
Call to Action:
Think about the friendships you care about. When was the last time you reached out — just because? It might be time to send that text, make that call, or schedule that coffee date. Small efforts go a long way in keeping the connection alive.
