Exactly kat2907
If it's someone you actually know and like, you won't be relying on MN to communicate with them - you'll be FB or texting.
I always think these threads are very suspect - either the person concerned has flounced and then name changes and starts a thread as a way back in without losing face, or they get someone else to do it.
Or if, as is most likely the case, they've just disappeared for a bit to get on with Real Life, then it's pretty irritating to have people fretting over where they've gone.
If they wanna come back - they'll come back!