Grandpa Got Ghosted
Sad But True
The following is a dramatization and is not the transcript of a real broadcast. That said, in all other respects, the story is factual to the best of this author’s knowledge. We will not use names, places, or dates to protect the privacy of those still haunted by the event.
We close tonight’s broadcast with a story sent in by one of our viewers. His story is about a subject that’s becoming more and more prevalent these days. He asked that we not mention his name on the air. However, he said some of our viewers might learn from his mistake.
Point of Clarification
It seems this seventy-five-year-old grandfather was a victim. A victim of ghosting. Yes, you heard me right, ghosting. I can relate. I, too, have been a victim of ghosting. Certainly not a fun feeling, regardless of whether you are seventy-five or twenty-five. Your mind and your heart take you places you really don’t want to go.
For our viewers unfamiliar with ghosting, Alberta from Psychology Today has this to say about the term. “Ghosting is abruptly ending communication with someone without explanation. The concept most often refers to romantic relationships, but can also describe disappearances from friendships and the workplace.”
Our ghosted grandfather says he thinks his confusion between “friendly” and “friendship” was his downfall. He went on to say that his ghoster was a twenty-something young woman. One, he said, he greatly admired and equally respected.
Closing Remarks
This seventy-five-year-old grandfather went on to say he had always wanted a daughter or a granddaughter. Said he had been looking forward to an intergenerational relationship for a long time.
A reminder to our viewers, “friendly” is surface-level pleasantness, whereas “friendship” is a much deeper, mutual relationship. You can be friendly with many people (acquaintances, colleagues) without them being true friends, who require more intentional commitment. There is a big difference. Unfortunately, the line between the two is easily blurred.
We want to thank our viewer for openly sharing his story. Lastly, we leave you tonight with a message from a not-so-old, but definitely much wiser, grandfather. “Whether you are just friendly or you are friends, a little communication goes a long way.”
Good night, everyone. Be safe and be kind. In conclusion, remember, somebody out there loves you.