What is what to do when someone suddenly stops talking to you?

It's painful and confusing when someone suddenly stops talking to you, often called being ghosted. Here's what you can do:

• Give them space: Initially, respect their silence. Bombarding them with messages might push them further away. A brief check-in is okay, but don't overdo it.

• Reflect on the situation: Try to honestly assess the relationship. Were there any red flags or potential warning signs you missed? Think about if there was an argument recently.

• Consider possible reasons: While you might not know for sure, consider potential reasons for their silence. Did something happen in their life that might be distracting them? Are they struggling with something personally?

• Reach out once (maybe twice): After a reasonable period of silence (a week or two), send a brief, non-demanding message. Something like, "Hey, I noticed we haven't connected in a while. I hope everything is okay. Let me know if you're up for chatting." Avoid accusatory language. If you have any apology you want to say you can do it now.

• Accept their decision (if there's no response): If they don't respond after a reasonable follow-up, you need to accept that they may not want to communicate. Continuing to pursue them will likely only cause you more pain and frustration.

• Focus on your well-being: This is crucial. Being ghosted can be a blow to your self-esteem. Spend time with supportive friends and family, engage in activities you enjoy, and prioritize self-care.

• Learn from the experience: Reflect on what happened and try to identify any patterns or lessons that might help you in future relationships.

• Don't take it personally (too much): While it's natural to feel hurt, remember that their actions say more about them than they do about you. They may have their own issues that they're dealing with. The self-esteem is very important here.

• Consider professional help: If you're struggling to cope with the situation, talking to a therapist or counselor can provide valuable support and guidance.