What Is Zombieing In Dating? A Crueler Twist On Ghosting Explained

What is zombieing, you ask? Gone are the days when being ghosted was the ultimate dating nightmare because this new dating trend in town might just change your perspective.

Unlike the insidious “ghostlighting,” which is about tormenting your dating past, zombies are a little more, let’s say, disturbing.

So, what is a dating zombie?

What is the meaning of zombieng, you ask? In dating it refers to the unsettling phenomenon where a person who had previously shadowed you, and suddenly cut off all contact, mysteriously appears in your life after a long absence.

Unlike shadows, there are no apologies or explanations

Accompanying their return; They reappear as if they were on an extended vacation in the afterlife.

This puzzling encounter can leave individuals feeling baffled, as they grapple with the unexpected return of someone who has seemingly disappeared, making it a particularly puzzling and often emotionally challenging aspect of modern dating.

How do you know if you are exposed to zombies?

Well, it usually starts with that unexpected message after eons of silence. Sometimes it can be a random gift or an unannounced call. But if you encounter them at your local coffee shop, it’s just an ancient geographic possibility, not a zombie.

Now, why do people turn into zombies?

Just like the dating phenomena of ghosting and moving around, the motivations behind these actions can be as diverse as the dating scene itself. Feelings of boredom, idle curiosity, or the haunting pangs of loneliness may be lurking in the shadows, prompting individuals to engage in these behaviors.

Interestingly, research conducted by dating app Badoo revealed that 43% of people who declared themselves ghosts admitted to regretting their disappearance.

In some cases, a real change of heart can occur, adding complexity to the already complex world of modern dating. These feelings and motivations continue to shape the dating experiences of many.

Read more here: What Is Narcissistic Rage, How to Recognize It and Deal with It

But what is the emotional impact of dating a zombie?

Prepare for a wave of emotions – confusion, anger, vulnerability. It can shake your sense of security and make you doubt your self-worth.

So, what is the antidote? Communication, self-care, and seeking support from friends or professionals can help heal those emotional wounds.

Now, how should you deal with dating zombies in your life?

First things first, get the horror movie advice out of the way (please, no images of zombie heads). Instead, find out what you want before responding.
If you are open to reconnecting, have an honest conversation about the ghost of the past and your fears. But remember, if respect was absent before, it is unlikely to magically appear now.
If you’re not interested, setting clear boundaries is key.
Ultimately, when your ex comes back into your life, it could be the beginning of something beautiful. There is hope for everyone, right? Then again, sometimes it’s better for the past to stay buried — especially if they had the nerve to ghost you in the first place.

Read more here: 4 Things to Do When Someone Is Mean to You for No Reason

Now that you know what a dating zombie is, hopefully you’ll learn how to dodge this bullet before it hits you. Share your thoughts in the comments below!