“Fizzling Out”, Ghosting, Left on Read
“Fizzling out”, “ghosting”, and “left on read” are recent terms that describe the increasingly common experience of silent rejection without closure. In the digital dating age, where screens are a common method of communication, many people try to avoid the discomfort of acknowledging and communicating the end of a relationship. The “fizzling out” period typically happens in early dating experiences, after a few dates, when individuals begin to assess whether their date is a suitable match. While fizzling out is a normal part of dating and can even be helpful way to determine eating dating compatibility, the quiet rejection without acknowledgement or understanding can be hard to process. The term “fizzling out” itself is abstract and highlights how this process is filled with relational ambiguity, making it difficult to identify and understand.
Signs that a romantic relationship is “fizzling out” can be summarized by three key areas: avoidance, conflict, and stagnation.
Avoidance examples: reluctance or disinterest in making plans, reduction in emotional and physical intimacy, and reduction in communication.
Conflict: increased tension and arguments.
Stagnation: Feeling stuck in the progression from early dating to a more solidified relationship, and a loss of interest.
The most effective way to handle feelings of disconnection or detachment from a romantic partner is to communicate your thoughts and feelings clearly. A prerequisite for effective communication is understanding and acknowledging how you feel about the detachment. If you find yourself in a fizzling out relationship, ask yourself:
How do I feel about this relationship’s decline?
Is this relationship aligned with my relational values? Is it bringing me meaning and fulfillment?
If I do want to end this relationship, how can I healthy goodbye experience?
Based on your answers to these questions, consider what conversation you want to have with your partner to express your thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Acknowledging when a relationship is “fizzling out” is a healthy and important step that brings you closer to identifying your relational needs, finding compatible partners, and understanding the dynamics you do and don’t want in a long-term relationship.
