But, there are a few circumstances where reaching out might make sense. If any of the following apply to you, wait a week or two to cool down, then compose a text. Ruby Payne, sex and relationship expert at UberKinky, a leading adult toy retailer, says being stood up or ghosted after four dates is grounds for a text.
“As soon as you suspect you've been ghosted, don't reach out,” Walsh advises. “Even if the person ghosting you has been in a coma, they'll eventually get in touch if they want. No matter what they do, how many times they come back, you have to just take the pain all in one go and stop looking for closure.
While every relationship is different, three days is enough time to consider yourself ghosted. Sure, everyone has emergencies or can come up with a valid excuse for not responding, but letting things linger for three days or longer is enough to categorise it as a ghosted situation.
Closure is tempting. But for the most part, the experts agree: You shouldn't bother texting a ghost. “They have sent a message by not having the decency to let you know they were not interested. There is no need to text them.
Some people say after 3 days, it is officially ghosting, but an increasing number of people say that's too long. If you don't hear something after 24 hours, consider yourself ghosted.
Soft ghosting refers to someone 'liking' your last message or latest comment on their post on platforms like Facebook and Instagram where it's possible to react to an interaction, but not actually replying and continuing the conversation. So, although they're not ignoring you, they're also offering no genuine response.
Waiting 2–3 days or up to a week before reaching out gives him a chance to text you first once he realizes what he's missing. If you've waited more than a week and still haven't heard back from him, it might be time to move on.
Overwhelmingly, all the experts we consulted recommend not texting anything after being ghosted. We know! It's hard. Sending a message is just not worth your time or energy, especially since you can't control the response.
Ghosting usually has a build-up, a predictable pattern. First, response times lag — a couple of hours, then half-days, then full days followed by fake excuses. You know, the “Sorry, I totally didn't see this text” or the “Sorry, I was um, at my grandmother's funeral.” Then come the delays: “Not this weekend.
"If he's ghosting, it starts with his response rate being dramatically slower. Usually, his responses go from longer to much shorter, to even one word," Edwards says. "Further, since you've spent enough time with him to know his tone and language enough, you might even notice a lack of enthusiasm in his words."
Intentionally ignoring a person without an explanation is one of the most passive aggressive forms of human behavior there is — it denotes a certain disdain for the person being ignored. It suggests a weakness of character and is a red flag that indicates an unresolved issue on behalf of the “ghoster.”
Directly ask what's wrong
When you think someone is ghosting you, it's best to just be up-front and ask them what's going on. Tubbs recommends a message along these lines: Hey! I noticed you haven't been as responsive lately. Is everything OK?
Most likely they have someone else they are far more interested in. If she messages you back in the future it's most likely that things didn't go as she wanted and thinks you will be there for her again.
The best way to respond to a ghoster is to say nothing and move on. However, if you want closure or think your ghoster can explain their behavior, sending one last text could help.
If it has been less than a couple of days then try to not let his lack of contact bother you. There is a good chance he is busy and this is nothing to worry about. Get home from work, put your phone on aeroplane mode and avoid checking your WhatsApp status or social media activity.
The guy may not be texting you every chance he gets free, but he may text you at least once in the day if he likes you. Just remember he has a life, a job, or maybe school and can't always text as often as you may be able to with your life. Just because he doesn't respond right away doesn't mean he's lost interest.
Key Takeaways. If a guy does not text you back immediately, there might be valid reasons like preoccupation with work, wanting some space, or being just not into you. When he does not text you back, do not bombard him with texts. Focus on yourself and go out and enjoy yourself with your friends.