There is no official answer to this question, and honestly, it depends on your individual circumstances.
If you usually talk to someone daily and don’t hear from them in 2-3 days, it’s possible they’re ghosting you.
Likewise, if you often go days without speaking to someone, any number of days could pass and they might not be ghosting you.
What Does It Mean to Ghost Someone?
Ghosting is a term used to describe the act of ending a personal relationship with someone abruptly and without explanation.
This typically means cutting off all communication with that person and often blocking them on social media and other apps.
It also means they will be ignoring the other person’s attempts to contact or communicate with them.
This can be very frustrating and hurtful and is often confusing if you don’t know what – if anything – you’ve done to deserve it.
Not that anyone deserves to be ghosted, of course, you’d hope that they would at least communicate to you how they’re feeling and why they’re acting the way they are.
Ghosting is a very disrespectful and inconsiderate way to end a relationship, and it’s typically a sign that the person doing the ghosting is not mature or emotionally intelligent enough to handle the situation in a more direct and honest way.
Related – What to know if you’re being ghosted? Take this quick quiz to find out!
How Can You Tell if You’re Being Ghosted?
It can be tough at times to figure out if you’re being ghosted or if someone is just busy or not getting back to you for another reason.
There are a few key signs to look out for that someone may be ghosting you. These can include:
- The person suddenly stops responding to your messages or calls, even if they were previously very responsive.
- The person does reply but always makes excuses for not being able to talk or meet in person, such as saying they are busy or have a lot going on.
- The person avoids making plans with you or makes plans and then cancels them without a good reason.
- The person seems distant or uninterested in you and how you’re doing, even if they used to be a close friend.
- The person stops sharing personal stuff with you or seems to be pulling away from the relationship and distancing themselves.
If you are experiencing these signs, it is very possible that the person is ghosting you.
However, it is also possible that there are other reasons for their behavior, so it is important to communicate openly and honestly with the person before jumping to any conclusions.
How Many Days Is Ghosting?
This question was the main topic of this post, but there is no definitive answer to this question.
The amount of time it takes for someone to ghost you can depend on your individual circumstances and the relationship you have with them.
It might take as little as 2-3 days if someone is usually very responsive and suddenly stops communicating, or it might take longer if you don’t talk every day and the other person stops making plans with you or responding to your messages.
Instead of trying to put a number on how many days it’s been since you’ve heard from someone, it’s best to focus on how their behavior has changed and if you’re seeing the signs that they’re ghosting you.
So, it could be one day, or it could take weeks to be sure someone is ghosting you, it’s more important that you take a close look at how they’re treating you.
Difference Between Ghosting and Airing
Airing is another term you may have come across, it’s similar to ghosting and means to ignore or blank someone but can also include more obvious signs.
The main difference is that airing is usually done in public and on social media, while ghosting is often done more privately.
For example, if someone was to air you out, they might post a passive-aggressive comment or image on social media that refers to you in some way.
This can be hurtful and embarrassing and is different from simply being
ignored by the person.
There is a thin line between the two, and it’s semantics more than anything else.
Ultimately, both ghosting and airing are forms of ignoring someone and can be equally hurtful.
Related – Here is how to call out someone who you know is ghosting you!
What Should You Do if You’re Being Ghosted?
If you’re being ghosted, you have some options and it’s possible you can reconnect with the person ghosting you.
It might not be easy, but if you had a good relationship with this person previously, I’m sure it’s possible.
The main thing you need to do, and this is always going to be the backbone of resolving being ghosted, is to find a way to communicate with the person.
Whether you call or text them, or even try to talk in person, it’s important to show that you care and are interested in reconnecting with them.
If there is an underlying issue, whether you think you’re at fault or not, it’s important to communicate your feelings and try to resolve it together.
If you can’t get in touch with the person or they won’t talk to you, then it’s best to accept that the relationship has changed and move on.
If you give them time and space, they’ll contact you when they miss you.
If they don’t miss you and don’t contact you, it sounds like they are dealing with some serious issues and there isn’t a lot more you can do!
Image credits – depositphotos.com/stock-photo-rear-view-woman-resting-blanket
Phil lives in England, UK, and has around 20 years experience as a professional life, career and executive coach. He started this blog to help others find and define their own self development journey. Blogging about a wide range of topics to help facilitate a better future.