Cloaking is a term we’ve been seeing more and more recently, used to describe a type of behavior in relationships, specially romantic ones.
It refers to when a person cuts off all communication and contact without warning, and also completely disappears from social media and other platforms where they were previously active.
It’s like putting on an invisibility cloak (yep, like Harry Potter’s), hence the term “cloaking.”
You’re probably wondering what the difference is between cloaking and ghosting, here we explain why one is much worse than the other.
Cloaking VS Ghosting
Although they both may seem like the same thing, as both involve disappearing from one day to the next, it has an additional element: not only does the person stop communicating, but they also delete any digital trace of their existence.
This includes blocking someone on social media, deleting profiles, or even changing phone numbers, which can create all kinds of insecurities and guilt in the other person.
It seems like a lowkey gaslighting ghosting thing to us, to be honest.
The reasons behind this phenomenon are different for everyone. Some people may feel overwhelmed by the situation and, rather than face an awkward or painful conversation, choose to disappear.
Others may be afraid of conflict or simply not interested in moving forward with the relationship/situationship, and find it easier to cut it off completely without explanation.
How Can You Handle It?
It can be a big problem for the person experiencing it, the sudden disappearance without any explanation can leave the person with many unanswered questions and a feeling of rejection and insecurity.
Also, not being able to find the other person anywhere can aggravate the feeling of loss and bewilderment.
If you find yourself in the situation of having been a victim of cloaking, it is important to remember that the problem is not yours, it is the other person’s behavior that reflects their inability to handle the situation in a mature manner.
Try not to take it personally and seek support from friends, family or a professional if you feel you need it. It is also helpful to focus on activities that make you feel good and help you get through the experience.
You need to know that this is a practice that reflects a lack of communication and empathy in some people and although it can be painful, it’s important to remember that you deserve a relationship where there’s respect and communication.
