Season 4 Episode 19 - Ghosting, Autonomy, and the Cost of Closure...

In this episode, I return to a topic I covered early on: rejection resilience. This time, I’m taking a direct look at ghosting. We explore the difference between hurt and harm, why not every disappearance is an act of betrayal, and how emotional entitlement shows up in the aftermath. For those in the BDSM community, where intensity and vulnerability run deep, ghosting can feel like a violation. But is it always? I break down why autonomy includes the right to walk away, how we confuse discomfort with danger, and what it really takes to move on without closure. It won’t be easy listening, but it’s a conversation that needs to happen.ReferencesCampbell, W. K., Bonacci, A. M., Shelton, J.,Exline, J. J., & Bushman, B. J. (2004). Psychological entitlement:Interpersonal consequences and validation of a self-report measure. Journalof Personality Assessment, 83(1), 29–45. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327752jpa8301_04Kruglanski, A. W., Webster, D. M., & Klem,A. (1993). Motivated resistance and openness to persuasion in the presence orabsence of prior information. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,65(5), 861–876. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.67.6.1063Romero-Canyas, R., Downey, G., Berenson, K.,Ayduk, O., & Kang, N. J. (2010). Rejection sensitivity and therejection-hostility link in romantic relationships. Journal of Personality,78(1), 119–148. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.2009.00611.xSchaan, V. K., & Vögele, C. (2016).Resilience and rejection sensitivity mediate long-term outcomes of parentaldivorce. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 25(11), 1267–1269. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-016-0893-7Continue the discussion on Fetlife: @Enhanced-MindDon't forget to hit the follow button and rate my show 5 stars so others may find it. What to be on the show or have an idea for an upcoming episode? Email me at [email protected] me on Substack - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enhanced-Mind's Substack | Chris C. | Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you are looking for a therapist that is knowledgeable about the lifestyle, or just a therapist in general, please feel free to reach out through my website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://enhanced-mind.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠I have a book out, Tangled Desires: Exploring the Intersection of BDSM and Psychology. Can find it where you purchase most of your ebooks. Print version out now!#BDSM #Psychology #Rejection #Ghosting #Resilience