People Are Ghosting Long-Term Partners. Some Don’t Regret It
This article explores the growing trend of 'ghosting' in long-term relationships, highlighting how digital communication tools facilitate sudden, non-confrontational breakups. It features personal accounts from individuals who chose to end partnerships by cutting off all contact without explanation.
Why it matters
It reflects a significant shift in modern social norms and interpersonal communication, illustrating how technology influences the way people handle emotional conflict.
Nicole had kids, and they talked often about “wanting more than what we saw growing up in the environment we did,” Dean, a 37-year-old independent contractor, tells WIRED. They also both considered themselves more spiritual than religious, and were mentally, emotionally, and physically compatible. Best of all, “we rarely had a fight,” he says, “and could talk about any- and everything.”
They eventually moved in together and even talked about getting married, though he says the idea was one-sided. “She wanted to. I secretly didn't.”
In 2022, four years into the relationship, Dean says “she allowed her mind to be polluted” by “gender wars” discourse. As he saw it, she became one of those people who “attach themselves to feminism” and complained about men all the time. Even though Dean claims he is progressive, he says, “it wasn’t my thing” because Nicole had become overly negative.
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