CuppaJoe:
I recently had what I thought was a really honest and transparent message exchange on here.
A member initially reached out to me regarding a topic that I loved, and quickly moved to ask if I would like to meet irl. When i explained that I was sincerely looking for friendship and discussion on here rather than a serious relationship, the other member explained that they were looking for something romantic, thanked me, and then the exchange ended.
I respect and appreciate this persons honest answer, and was thankful that this person took the time to explain their own motivations and interests. I wouldn't have been surprised to be ghosted in this kind of situation (and have been before!), but it was wonderful to at least have a short acknowledgement together about why we wouldn't expect ongoing conversations.
I would suggest best practice is to expect ghosting to happen, but to hold yourself to model the behaviour you'd like to see from others in the future - and to express thanks to others when they do the same.
THIS all of this.
ALL of it.
