What Exactly Is Zombieing? Discover This Bizarre Dating Term

Is it just us, or are there an overwhelming number of dating terms that seem to excuse poor behavior? Seriously, there’s ghosting, breadcrumbing, submarining, and a whole slew of others that those who date frequently (unfortunately) encounter. With the enchanting fall season — often referred to as “cuffing season” — upon us, it’s time to shine a light on a dating trend that might be affecting your love life: zombieing. We’ll take a look at how zombieing manifests in both romantic and platonic relationships and why it’s a clear indicator of toxicity.

For anyone who’s experienced ghosting, the frustration is undeniable. Not only do you often find yourself questioning what went wrong, but it also heightens insecurities around relationships. But fear not; we’ll cover how to navigate zombieing from friends or partners, along with other important dating terms to help you escape any unhealthy situations.

Defining Zombieing

Zombieing occurs when someone who has completely ghosted you suddenly reappears in your messages as if nothing happened. And this isn’t limited to romantic interests; friends can do it too. The term is inspired by creatures that come back to life without awareness of their previous demise. Similarly, a “zombied” relationship seems to come back from the dead, and often the person reaching out either forgets they ghosted you or simply doesn’t care. And let’s be real — that’s not exactly charming!

How to Respond to a Zombie Text

Learning how to handle zombieing is your first step toward dealing with this absurd dating trend. The first question you should ask yourself is whether this person is someone you want in your life. Is this a friend worth discussing things with? A romantic partner you might want to reconnect with? If the answer is no, then you already know how to handle a zombie text: prioritize your own well-being and refrain from falling back into unfavorable patterns.

However, if you do wish to respond, consider letting them know that their actions were not okay. You can express your feelings in a way that aligns with your comfort level. If this person matters to you, this might be a chance to inform them about why zombieing is hurtful. Perhaps they were dealing with something significant, which led them to ghost you initially. The only way to know is to respond and inquire.

Other Popular Dating Terms

Navigating the dating world can be daunting, especially with the plethora of terms that pop up. Here are a few noteworthy dating terms you might encounter:

Submarining: Similar to zombieing, this is when someone ghosts you and then resurfaces unexpectedly, much like a submarine surfacing.
Breadcrumbing: This involves sending minimal, noncommittal messages to keep someone interested without investing much effort.
Caspering: A gentler form of ghosting, where the person gives a slight heads-up before disappearing.
Cushioning: When someone in a committed relationship is simultaneously dating others on the side.
Fleabagging: Inspired by the TV series, this refers to dating individuals you know aren’t right for you.
Wokefishing: This is when someone pretends to hold progressive views to attract a partner, while their true beliefs are the opposite.
Benching: Like a basketball player being sidelined, this involves pausing a relationship to focus on another one that seems more promising.
Roaching: When you think you’re in an exclusive relationship, but your partner is secretly dating multiple people.
Curving: This refers to rejecting someone, often in a subtle way, like turning away from a kiss.

For more insights on navigating relationships and the complexities that come with them, check out this related blog post.

Summary

Zombieing is a frustrating phenomenon where someone who ghosted you suddenly reappears, often without acknowledging their previous absence. Knowing how to respond to such situations is crucial for your emotional health. Whether you choose to confront the issue or move on, it’s essential to prioritize your well-being. Familiarizing yourself with other dating terms can also help you better understand the dynamics at play in your relationships. For expert advice on home insemination, consider visiting this resource, or check out this excellent guide for further information.