From the Deck Hands -- The New Normal?

When did ghosting become ok? It used to be that if you weren't interested in someone anymore, you just told them. But that was before the days of the internet and cell phones. Back then, a person had the moxie to say, “Sorry, this isn’t working for me. I'm moving on.” Words, in person. Respectful, even when the message wasn't pleasant. Sadly, that small level of respect has become a precious commodity today. So, is this normal, and if so, why?

Maybe it's because we're living in a world in which rarely do people talk to each other in person anymore. Too busy, don't care to, more important things to do, my ear hurts, whatever. There's always a reason. Even phone calls have become taboo, because the other person may hear a shadow of a feeling in the voice at the other end of the line. God forbid. It's just so much easier to just not say anything anymore, just stop calling or texting. Just forget about them. Ghost them.

But ghosting is not ok. A true lady, or gentleman, doesn't deserve to be treated that way. So, stop it. Be a responsible adult, be honest about your feelings, and you may be surprised at the result. If nothing else, the other person will gain just a bit of respect for you, if for no other reason than for your honesty. Like the words from that Billy Joel song, “Honesty is such a lonely word, and mostly what I need from you.”

Jo Petteruti is a Staff Writer for The Fallon Post