to not understand the difference between going NC, and "ghosting"?

[ScoobyCan]

Just that really.

When someone chooses to go NC with someone else, does the intended recipient need to be told? And if they aren't told / don't get it / just think you're ignoring them, is that "ghosting"?

Could someone please explain the difference, and if there's a protocol for going NC would you please give me the guidelines? I don't want them to think I'm just having a strop. It's more permanent than that.

Oh god don't - I'm having problems with the difference of this too. The way I see it is that NC is clear and obvious - e.g., I've told a friend that I'm hiding out a bit at the moment and not to take it personally - actually, all friends; 'ghosting' (ghastly expression!) is simply ignoring people and not even giving the time of day when they (for instance) text to see if you're OK.

The friends I'm now NC with know it is for a short period of time whilst I get my head round life.

HTH???

NC is when you do it. Ghosting is when someone does it to you.

No, I'm kidding. NC tends to imply there is a very good reason - abuse, ongoing CF-type behaviour. Ghosting implies someone doesn't know what they might have done wrong.

Yeah, ghosting is radio silence with no explanation whereas going NC would just be ceasing further contact after ending the relationship or letting the other person know you didn't want to be in touch either for a while or indefinitely.

I suppose it's more difficult to define if it's a troublesome or abusive relationship that you just want to slip away from quietly but in those cases I don't think it counts as ghosting with its unkind connotations as you have your safety/ sanity to put first.

I think if you’re deliberately going NC and want them to know it, you inform them once in a clear written way. Then block them and have no more contact.

Ghosting tends to be more gradual, and never explicit. So if ghosting somebody you take longer to reply to texts, make excuses to not meet, then don’t reply. There’s a bit more deniability, if you bump into them in town you might do the whole polite “yes we must meet up! Busy busy!” Thing.

Tomeghosting is ending a relationship without saying anything, where as going NC only happen in a relationship which would be on going. So family, or father of your kids. Someone who you would be seeing/ speaking to but you’re choosing to withdraw.

Thanks all. Really appreciate it. I've gone NC with certain family members. And I'm actually quite horrified at how easy it has been for them to let go of the scapegoat / black sheep. And sadly the ones I thought might reach out? They've gone NC with (or maybe they've ghosted....) me.

Ho hum.