Friendship Day 2025: Navigating Ghosting In Friendships — And How To Deal With Them

“She had seen it all: my first period, first crush, first boyfriend, breakups, even the joy of buying something from my first salary. We were inseparable until one day in 10th grade, she stopped talking to me: no fights, no explanation,” says Harsheeta, a 21-year-old PR professional.

That week of silence, though short, left a lasting impact on her. That experience taught her something she carries to this day: the importance of not being emotionally dependent on anyone, regardless of how close they are.” People, even without intending harm, can cross emotional boundaries or drift away. It hurts more when your whole world is tied to one person,” she says. “Kuch rishte dil se hote hain, waqt se nahi,” adds Harsheeta.

On the other hand, Aahana Chaudhary, PR Consultant, shares her experience where she had to distance herself from her friend. “It’s not easy, but sometimes it’s necessary. As adults, we grow, evolve, and take different paths. While we can offer support to friends, we cannot fix things for them. And if their decisions begin to affect your well-being, it’s important to prioritise yourself. True friends will understand your need to focus on your own growth rather than lose yourself trying to support theirs.”

Friendship, we often assume, is supposed to be the one bond untouched by silent endings. Yet in today’s world, ghosting, once talked about only in dating, has quietly crept into our most cherished platonic relationships.

What is ghosting in friendship?

“When someone you thought was close to you suddenly stops talking to you without any explanation, that's called ghosting in friendship,” explains Dr. Rahul Chandhok, Sr. Consultant & Head Psychiatry, Artemis Lite NFC, New Delhi.

“This emotional cutoff, which came out of nowhere and didn't give you a chance to say goodbye, can make you feel confused, hurt, and unsure of your worth. Ghosting is different from a fight or drifting apart over time because it happens suddenly and often doesn't give either person a chance to talk or work things out.”

It’s the friend who vanishes not in one moment, but in many: the cancelled plans, the unanswered texts, the subtle but growing distance. And unlike fights, there’s no confrontation, no closure.

Red flags

According to Ravi Mittal, Founder & CEO of QuackQuack, “People thought ghosting was only related to dating. But it happens in friendships too, and not just online ones. 1 in 18 online friendships end in ghosting. It doesn't always mean the person goes poof one fine day. Users have reported feeling slowly ghosted while still being in touch. It is usually reduced chat time, more and more unanswered texts, delaying real-life meetup, or sudden emotional unavailability.”

He adds: “The first step to recognising ghosting in friendships is to understand that no relationship can last with one-sided effort. More than 18% users between 20 and 35 revealed that if you find yourself putting in all the work, sending the first message, always trying to come up with plans to meet up, or trying to stay in touch, it is a warning sign that this connection might eventually end up in ghosting. It’s never just a phase; it’s a solid red flag.”

Sometimes, it’s not even about you. “This could be because of something your friend is going through, or something you did unintentionally, or that you and your friend have simply changed as people and have grown apart,” Kiara Jain, psychologist and wellness expert, explains. “Most of these can usually be solved through simple communication; however, your friend might avoid it for reasons best known to them.”

A 2022 survey by YouGov found that 30% of millennials and 20% of Gen Z admit to ghosting a friend at some point.

Letting go with grace

“The first step to healing is to realise that ghosting is a sign of their communication or maturity, not your worth as a friend,” says Dr. Chandhok.

“You need to set emotional limits, accept that there is no closure, and think about how much you are worth to get over it. Don't think too much or blame yourself. If you feel like you're being rejected or abandoned, talk to a therapist. To rebuild trust, you need to talk to people who value honest and polite communication. Friendships should make you feel safe, not confused and anxious.”

Jain shares, “Being ghosted or avoided by someone who you thought was close to you, knowing that you would miss them and they’re choosing to not speak to you and cut you off from their life, is heartbreaking,” adds Jain.

“Heartbreaks don’t just happen in romantic relationships, but also in friendships. The best way to overcome it is firstly by accepting the reality that your friend might not be a part of your life, and accepting that if it was a genuine friendship, both sides would have put in the effort to make it last.”

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Another key step is shifting the focus back to yourself, without falling into the trap of self-blame. Even if you suspect you may have done something to trigger the distance, it’s worth reaching out once to clear the air. But if there’s no response or willingness to reconnect, it’s best to accept it and move forward. Instead of chasing closure, pour your energy into people who truly value you and want to be in your life.

Studies now show that the heartbreak of losing a close friend can mirror or even surpass romantic breakups. The emotional investment in long-term friendships often runs deeper, leaving people blindsided when those bonds break without closure.

Tripti Sharma, Senior PR Executive at Adgcraft Communications, speaks from lived experience: “Ghosting in friendship can really sting. I’ve been through it myself. At first, I tried to understand, thinking maybe they were going through something. But if someone is intentionally cutting you off, it can take a real toll on your confidence and mental health. When you notice signs like sudden silence or being ignored, it’s better to accept the truth than keep hoping. Don’t take it personally, it’s not about your worth. Set boundaries, take care of your mental space, and surround yourself with people who value honest and respectful connections.”

Rupali Rani, Assistant Account Manager at The Reppro, shares, “Ghosting isn’t just silence; it’s the quiet erosion of trust, of mutual respect. We grow when we stop chasing closure from those who don't value constancy. Conversation is the heart of any bond, and when that fades without reason, it's okay to protect your peace. Distance isn’t bitterness: it’s clarity. Boundaries aren’t walls: they’re self-respect. Let go with grace. Not everyone who walks with you is meant to stay.”

All of this comes at a time when more than 60% of young adults in India say they feel lonely ‘often or always,’ according to Cigna’s 2023 Global Loneliness Index. Ghosting, silent withdrawals, and unspoken tensions only deepen this crisis.

This Friendship Day, while we cherish the bonds that nourish us, let’s also honour the ones that left us. Not in anger, but in acceptance. Not in bitterness, but in understanding. Because sometimes, healing begins not with answers, but with choosing peace over confusion.