Ghosting, which refers to suddenly cutting off all communication and contact with someone without any explanation, is generally not a healthy or constructive way to deal with a situation, even if you're feeling hurt or upset. Instead, open communication and addressing your feelings in a respectful manner is a more productive approach to resolving conflicts and maintaining healthy relationships.
If you're feeling hurt or left out because your friend has been spending time with another close friend without including you, consider the following steps:
Reflect on your feelings: Take some time to understand why you feel hurt or upset about the situation. Identify the specific emotions and thoughts that are bothering you.
Communicate your feelings: Once you've had a chance to process your emotions, reach out to your friend and express your feelings in a calm and honest manner. Avoid accusations or blame but instead focus on using "I" statements to convey how you feel.
Be open to their perspective: Give your friend a chance to explain their actions and perspective. There might be reasons for their behavior that you are not aware of, and understanding their side of the story can help bring clarity to the situation.
Avoid making assumptions: Try not to jump to conclusions or assume the worst. It's possible that your friend didn't intend to hurt your feelings, and there could be a valid reason for their actions.
Set boundaries: If you feel like your friendship is not being valued or respected, consider setting boundaries that protect your feelings and emotional well-being.
Focus on other friendships and activities: While it's natural to feel hurt when you perceive a close friend is excluding you, try not to dwell on negative emotions. Invest time in other friendships and activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
Seek support: Talk to other friends or family members about how you're feeling. Sharing your thoughts and emotions with someone you trust can be therapeutic and provide valuable perspectives.
Forgive and move forward: If your friend genuinely apologizes or explains their actions, consider forgiving them and moving forward. Holding grudges can be detrimental to your own well-being and strain the relationship further.
Consider the overall pattern: If this situation is part of a recurring pattern of your friend excluding you or not valuing your friendship, it might be worth reflecting on the overall dynamics of the relationship and whether it's genuinely healthy for you.
Remember, all friendships face challenges, and miscommunications can happen. By openly communicating your feelings and being receptive to your friend's perspective, you have a better chance of resolving issues and strengthening your friendship in the long run. Ghosting rarely leads to positive outcomes and can further complicate the situation, so it's best to address the issue directly and honestly.