Exactly four in five Brits have been ghosted, according to new research.

And daters have been ghosted an average of four times before, with 17% ghosted within the last three months alone.

Defined as ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication, a staggering 80% of single Brits having been ghosted – a top dating turn off for 43% of British singles.

A new study by dating app Plenty of Fish reveals that while not to be condoned, there are silver linings to be celebrated in this controversial dating behaviour.

In response to the findings, Plenty of Fish is empowering singles to ‘raise a toast to your ghost’ this summer and is partnering with behavioural psychologist Emma Kenny to offer tips to help navigate the phenomenon of ghosting.

Ealing Times:

Kenny said: ‘Ghosting is often berated as an unacceptable behaviour and while it can be discouraging and there are much healthier ways to end things with someone, in reality it’s all about how you perceive the experience.

“Rather than pursuing that all elusive closure, I advise singles to see the silver linings of being ghosted. Do you really want your flaws pointed out?

“Do you really need to know why they think you’re not worthy of a second date?

“See ghosting as an opportunity to re-evaluate your personal values, remind yourself of your self worth and be grateful for not wasting time or emotionally investing in someone it wouldn’t have worked out with anyway.’

In fact, ghosting saves singles an average of nine days per year in the time they would have spent entertaining a lacklustre love interest that wasn’t leading anywhere.

And over half (54%) of British daters actually welcome being ghosted.

A further 42% admit to previously ghosting someone themselves, citing the relationship as not serious enough for an explanation (28%), it feeling like the easiest option (27%) and wanting to avoid an uncomfortable conversation (26%) as the top reasons why.

And with ghosting seemingly part of the norm while looking for love, it’s no surprise that a whopping 61% of singles accept ghosting as part of modern day dating.

But rather than mourning a lack of response, singles are using the time saved to invest in themselves, with 33% practising more self-care, 31% prioritising relationships with friends and family, and 29% looking for new matches on dating apps.

Over half of British singles (56%) are also choosing to reflect positively on the times they have been ghosted, with a third (33%) glad their time wasn’t wasted. A further 44% never held out for an explanation from matches who ceased contact as they knew the relationship wasn’t leading anywhere, 35% admit there was a mutual lack of interest, and one in five (19%) didn’t feel a need for closure.

Ealing Times:

Continuing with the theme of empowerment, nearly half of Brits (47%) would raise a toast to their ghost, with ‘thank you for not wasting my time’ (27%), ‘thank you for helping me realise my self-worth’ (25%) and ‘thank you for the rejection which was my redirection’ (21%) the most popular phrases.

Eva Gallagher, Resident Dating Expert, Plenty of Fish added: “Ghosting is inevitably part of the dating journey, and since sparks won’t fly with every match or date, it’s often the go-to method of ending things when you’ve only shared a conversation or a couple of dates.

“While we don’t endorse ghosting as a method of ending a connection, we are committed to creating a welcoming dating destination for all and helping singles navigate what are typically perceived as negative experiences.”

So whether a single Brit is left disappointed (47%) and confused (43%) by ghosting, or part of team ghost who prefer contact is ceased without explanation rather than have an awkward conversation about why someone is ending things with them (48%), there are several tips to help singles see the small wins in ghosting and approach it with a newfound perspective and a strong sense of self-worth.

These include not blaming yourself, feeling your feelings, talking it out, letting it go and refocusing your energy.

And in addition, knowing self-care isn’t selfish, keeping your heart open, staying positive, knowing your worth and identifying the learnings are also advised as key tips to take on board.

Gallagher added: “We hope our partnership with Emma Kenny will help singles see the silver linings of ghosting and feel empowered to continue their dating journey with confidence.”