If you have ever been ghosted by someone you were dating, you know how painful and frustrating it can be. But what if that person suddenly came back to life and tried to contact you again, as if nothing happened? That’s what being zombied means, and it’s a new dating trend that’s even scarier than ghosting.
What is being zombied?
Zombied is a term that describes when someone who ghosted you (cut off all communication without explanation) suddenly reappears in your life, acting as if nothing happened. They might text you out of the blue, like your social media posts, or try to reconnect with you.
The term is not entirely new — a contextually accurate Urban Dictionary entry for it from 2018 does exist — but it has picked up pace online in dating discourse. Many people have shared their stories of being zombied on social media platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and TikTok.
Why is being zombied scary?
Being zombied can be scary for many reasons. First of all, it can be confusing and shocking to hear from someone who ghosted you, especially if it has been a long time since they disappeared. You might wonder why they are contacting you now, what they want from you, and how you should respond.
Secondly, being zombied can be hurtful and disrespectful. It can make you feel like the person who ghosted you did not care about your feelings or closure. It can also make you feel like they are playing with your emotions or trying to manipulate you.
Thirdly, being zombied can be challenging and risky. It can make you question yourself and your decisions. You might feel tempted to give them another chance or curious to see what they have to say. But you might also feel angry or distrustful of them. You might wonder if they have changed or learned from their mistake, or if they are just looking for a hookup or a backup plan.
How to deal with being zombied?
There is no one right answer to how to deal with being zombied, as it depends on how you feel about the person and the situation. Some possible options are:
- Ignore them and block them if you don’t want to deal with them again. This might be the best option if you have moved on from them or if they have hurt you too much. You don’t owe them anything, and you have the right to protect yourself from their toxic behavior.
- Confront them and ask them why they ghosted you and what they want from you now. This might be a good option if you want some answers or closure from them. You can express how their ghosting made you feel and see if they have a valid reason or apology. You can also set some boundaries and expectations for future communication.
- Give them another chance and see if they have changed or learned from their mistake. This might be an option if you still have feelings for them or if you believe they deserve a second chance. You can try to rebuild trust and communication with them and see if they are willing to commit to a relationship with you. However, be careful not to fall into a cycle of ghosting and zombied with them.
- Set clear boundaries and expectations and let them know what you are looking for in a relationship. This might be an option if you are open to talking to them but not sure where things are going. You can tell them what you need and want from them and see if they are on the same page as you. You can also ask them what their intentions are and why they are contacting you now.
Whatever you choose to do, make sure you prioritize your own well-being and happiness. Don’t let someone who zombied you manipulate you or make you feel guilty for their actions.
How to avoid being zombied or zombiing someone else?
The best way to avoid being zombied or zombiing someone else is to communicate honestly and respectfully with your dates. If you are not interested in someone or want to end things with them, tell them directly and kindly.
Don’t leave them hanging or wondering what happened. If you are interested in someone but need some space or time, let them know that too. Don’t ghost them and then expect them to welcome you back with open arms. Be mindful of how your actions affect others and treat them the way you would want to be treated.
Conclusion
Zombied is a new dating trend that’s even scarier than ghosting. It’s when someone who ghosted you suddenly reappears in your life, acting as if nothing happened. Being zombied can be confusing, hurtful, and challenging. You might not know how to respond or what to expect from them. The best way to deal with being zombied is to prioritize your own well-being and happiness and communicate honestly and respectfully with your dates. Don’t let someone who zombied you play with your emotions or take advantage of you. You deserve better than that.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also like to read our other articles about dating and pop culture: