When the woman who ghosts you crosses paths as a patient.

Sometimes life throws you a curveball so bizarre, you wish you could make it up. This story unfolded in the most unexpected of places — New York City, a melting pot of millions, yet somehow, small enough for past and present to collide in the most ironic of ways.

This isn’t a tale from years ago but a recent one that I felt compelled to share. A while back, I went on a few dates with someone. She was what you’d call ‘normal’ — a rarity these days, I suppose. Everything seemed to be going well. She never initiated plans but always agreed to go out when I asked. Maybe I should’ve seen the lack of initiative as a red flag, but I understand people take time to open up. And then, just like that, she stopped responding.

Photo by Hush Naidoo Jade Photography on Unsplash

I adhere to a few simple rules when it comes to dating:

1. Never double-text if they don’t respond.
2. If someone’s always busy, it just means I’m not a priority.
3. No response is a response — a powerful one at that.
4. Lack of effort or initiation tells you everything you need to know.