Have you ever had a buddy or bestie who seemingly dropped off the face of the planet once they got into a relationship? One day you’re hanging out, catching up and having fun, and the next thing you know, they’ve vanished into thin air, only reappearing when needing advice or when they’re having a lovers’ spat. It can be pretty frustrating, right?
We’ve all been there. In fact, it’s such a common occurrence that there’s even a term for it: ‘Friendship Ghosting.’ But have you ever wondered why some people do this? What character traits do these ‘friendship ghosters’ typically have? Well, we’re about to delve into that mystery right now.
In this article, we’ll explore 8 common character traits of people who tend to forget their friends once they enter a relationship. Hopefully, by the end, we’ll not only have a better understanding of these individuals but also how we can handle such situations if we ever find ourselves on the receiving end of ‘friendship ghosting.’ So grab your detective hat and let’s get started!
1) They are sensation seekers
Sensation seeking is a trait characterized by the pursuit of novel and intense experiences. People with this trait crave excitement and are often drawn to new relationships because of the thrill that comes with them.
The early stages of a relationship can be filled with exhilarating emotions, passionate encounters, and the excitement of getting to know someone on a deeper level. Those who are high in sensation seeking may become so absorbed in these new experiences that they inadvertently neglect their friendships.
However, the thrill of a new relationship eventually fades as the partners get to know each other better and settle into a routine. It’s at this point that neglected friends can become a significant loss, making it crucial for sensation seekers to actively maintain their friendships even while enjoying their romantic relationships.
2) They fear being alone
This one tugs at the heartstrings a bit. Some people who tend to forget their friends when they enter a relationship do so because they fear being alone.
It’s a harsh reality, but some people find comfort in relationships to the point where they overlook the value of friendships. They immerse themselves so deeply in their relationships because the thought of being alone is too overwhelming.
This fear can drive them to latch onto their partners, often at the expense of their friendships. It’s a sad and somewhat ironic situation because in their quest to avoid loneliness, they unintentionally isolate themselves from their friends.
Friendships provide a different kind of love and companionship that can help alleviate feelings of loneliness. It’s important for these individuals to understand that while romantic relationships are wonderful, friendships also play a vital role in our lives and contribute to our overall happiness and well-being.
3) They struggle with time management
Ever come across someone who’s always running late or constantly feels overwhelmed by their schedule? Well, that person might be a ‘friendship ghoster’ in disguise.
People who forget their friends when they enter a relationship often struggle with time management. They find it hard to juggle the demands of their new relationship with their existing commitments, including friendships.
The result? Friends get left in the cold while the new partner gets all the attention. It’s not always a conscious decision, but a result of poor planning and time management skills.
This trait can cause a lot of friction, especially when the friend feels neglected or unappreciated.
4) They lack empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s what makes us connect with each other on a deeper level. Sadly, some people struggle with this quality. When they enter a relationship, their lack of empathy can make them forget about their friends’ feelings.
Imagine your friend, who was always there for you, suddenly doesn’t have time for you anymore because they’re always with their new partner. It hurts, doesn’t it? But the problem is, they might not even realize that they’re causing pain because of their lack of empathy. They are so engrossed in their new relationship that they fail to see how their actions might be affecting those around them. It’s a tough situation to be in, both for them and their friends.
5) They’re self-centered
Alright, let’s be real here. Some people who forget their friends once they get into a relationship are just plain self-centered.
These folks tend to think the world revolves around them and their needs. When they’re in a relationship, their partner becomes their world and everything else takes a back seat, including their friends.
In their minds, it’s all about “me, me, me”. They’re so focused on their own feelings and experiences that they forget to consider others.
Sadly, it’s usually the friends who suffer in this situation. The ‘ghosted’ friends are left feeling neglected and unimportant. It’s a tough pill to swallow but recognizing this trait in someone can help you understand why they behave the way they do in relationships.
6) They have a fear of missing out (FOMO)
Did you know that the fear of missing out, commonly known as FOMO, is a real psychological phenomenon? According to a study published in the journal “Computers in Human Behavior,” FOMO is characterized by the desire to stay continually connected with what others are doing.
Now, what does this have to do with ‘friendship ghosting’? Well, some people who forget their friends when they get into a relationship are often driven by FOMO – but not in the way you might think.
Instead of fearing they’ll miss out on social events or updates from friends, they fear they’ll miss out on experiences with their new partner. This fear can become so overwhelming that it makes them sideline their friendships to spend every possible moment with their partner.
7) They have difficulty with balance
Striking a balance between different aspects of life can be challenging. However, those who consistently forget their friends when they’re in a relationship often have a particularly hard time with this. They become so consumed by their romantic relationship that they can’t seem to find the space or time for anything else.
This isn’t about pointing fingers or assigning blame, but rather understanding the struggle. It’s not easy to juggle different commitments and relationships. It requires effort, thoughtfulness, and a whole lot of understanding. That’s why it’s crucial to cultivate empathy and patience with these individuals. They’re not necessarily ‘bad’ friends – they may just need help finding the right balance. Let’s remember, we’re all works in progress, learning and growing every day.
8) They avoid conflict
Some people just don’t like conflict. They avoid it at all costs, even if it means leaving their friends hanging. It’s a trait that I’ve seen a lot in people who tend to forget their friends once they’re in a relationship.
You see, relationships can be complicated. Balancing time between your partner and your friends can sometimes cause friction. Maybe your partner wants more of your time, or your friends feel neglected. This can lead to difficult conversations and potential conflict.
For some, the easiest way to avoid this conflict is to just focus on their partner and let their friendships slide. It’s not the most considerate approach, but it’s a reality for those who struggle with confrontation.
But here’s the thing: Conflict is a part of life. Avoiding it might seem like a solution, but it often leads to more harm than good. True friends will understand if you need to balance your time, and open communication can help avoid misunderstandings. It’s a tough lesson to learn, but an essential one for maintaining healthy relationships.
Final thoughts: It’s all about balance
The dynamics of human relationships are incredibly complex and multifaceted. When it comes to maintaining friendships while in a relationship, balance is key.
We’ve delved into various character traits that can influence this balance, from self-centeredness and fear of being alone to sensation seeking and lack of empathy. But it’s important to remember that these traits aren’t necessarily fixed. They can be recognized and worked on.
Relationships, both romantic and platonic, play a crucial role in our lives. They shape our experiences, influence our perspectives, and contribute to our overall well-being. Neglecting one for the other can lead to a loss of valuable connections and life experiences.
So, as you navigate your relationships, strive for balance. Cherish your friendships while you nurture your romantic relationships. After all, each relationship offers something unique and irreplaceable in your life journey.
