How to Handle a Man Who Disappears and Reappears
If you’ve ever been “ghosted” by a man, you know how confusing and frustrating it can be. One minute he’s texting you constantly, planning dates, and showering you with attention, and the next he’s gone without a trace.
No explanation, no goodbye, just radio silence. It’s enough to make anyone feel hurt, angry, and unsure of what to do next.
But what happens when he reappears, days or weeks later, acting like nothing has happened? Maybe he’s sorry, maybe he has an excuse, maybe he’s just hoping you’ll pick up where you left off.
Whatever the reason, it can be tempting to give him the benefit of the doubt and hope for the best. But before you do, take a step back and evaluate the situation.
Context and Timeline
First, consider the context and timeline of your relationship. If you’re in the early dating phase and he disappears for several days without any explanation, that’s a red flag.
It’s a sign that he’s not mature enough to handle communication and conflict in a healthy way, and that he’s not fully invested in the relationship. It’s also a sign that he doesn’t respect your time and emotions, and that he’s willing to leave you hanging without any regard for your feelings.
Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. If he has a legitimate reason for disappearing, such as a family emergency or a work crisis, and he communicates with you as soon as he can, that’s different.
But if he simply vanishes without a word, don’t make excuses for him. Don’t assume that he’s suddenly going to change his behavior and become the emotionally mature man you deserve.
What to Do When He Reappears
So, what should you do when he reappears after disappearing? It depends on your priorities and feelings.
If you’re still interested in him and want to give him another chance, that’s fine. But don’t let him off the hook too easily.
Be sassy and cool, and let him know that you’re not a doormat who will put up with his disappearing act. Set clear boundaries and expectations, and make it clear that you deserve to be treated with respect and consideration.
On the other hand, if you’re feeling hurt, angry, or disillusioned by his behavior, that’s valid too. You don’t owe him anything, especially if he hasn’t been treating you with respect and consideration.
If you want to seek closure and understanding, that’s fine. But if you’d rather just ignore him altogether and move on, that’s fine too.
You deserve to make the choice that’s best for you and your emotional health.
Grounding Yourself and Getting Clear on What You Want
No matter what you decide to do, it’s important to stay calm and grounded throughout the process. It’s easy to let your emotions run wild when dealing with a disappearing man, but that will only make things more difficult for you.
Take some time to evaluate your feelings and priorities, and get clear on what you want out of a relationship. Do you want an emotionally mature man who communicates openly and honestly, even when things get tough?
Do you want a healthy relationship built on mutual respect, consideration, and trust? If so, you need to be willing to invest your time and energy in the right man.
Don’t settle for someone who doesn’t meet your standards, just because you’re afraid of being alone or bored.
Options and Decisions
When it comes down to it, you have a few options when dealing with a man who disappears and reappears. You can give him another chance and see where things go, especially if he’s willing to put in the effort to make things right.
You can seek closure and understanding, either by talking things out or by simply writing him off and moving on. Or you can ignore him altogether and choose to invest your time and energy in someone who deserves it.
No matter what you choose, remember that you have the power to make the right decision for yourself. You deserve to be treated with respect and consideration, and you deserve to invest your time and energy in a man who meets your standards.
Don’t settle for less, and don’t let anyone make you feel less than worthy. You’ve got this!
3) Communicating Assertively and Setting Boundaries
Communication is essential in any relationship, but it becomes even more critical when dealing with a man who disappears and reappears. To handle these situations assertively and set boundaries, you need to understand the importance of assertiveness, honesty, and taking a stand for yourself.
The Importance of Assertiveness
Assertiveness means responding with confidence, speaking up for yourself, and standing your ground when necessary. It’s not about being aggressive or confrontational but rather about being clear, direct, and respectful.
When you’re dealing with a man who disappears and reappears, it’s easy to become passive or accommodating, hoping that if you’re sweet enough, he’ll come back around. However, being assertive will not only let him know that you respect yourself but will also let him know that you won’t tolerate his disappearing act.
Assertiveness also means catching more flies with honey. If you approach a man with aggression and blame, he’s more likely to become defensive or shut down communication altogether.
On the other hand, if you approach him with confidence, respect, and authenticity, he’s more likely to listen to what you have to say and take your feelings into consideration.
Honesty and Authenticity
Honesty and authenticity are essential in any healthy relationship. When you’re dealing with a man who disappears and reappears, it’s essential to be honest about how his behavior makes you feel and what you expect from him.
Be clear about your boundaries and expectations and communicate them in a calm and respectful manner. Authenticity means being true to yourself and your values.
If a man’s disappearing act goes against your core beliefs around respect and communication, you need to be willing to speak up for yourself. If you’re not sure how to set boundaries or communicate assertively, take the time to reflect on your values and priorities.
Getting clear on what you want and need will help you communicate effectively.
Taking a Stand for Yourself
Taking a stand for yourself means asking the big questions, saying how you feel, and creating healthy relationship skills. It means recognizing your worth and not settling for less than you deserve.
When a man disappears and reappears, it’s easy to fall back into old patterns or make excuses for his behavior. But taking a stand for yourself means recognizing that your time and emotions are valuable and that you have the right to be treated with respect and consideration.
Create healthy relationship skills by setting boundaries, communicating openly and honestly, and being willing to walk away if necessary. Ask the big questions early on in the relationship to gauge whether the man you’re dating is mature enough to handle communication and conflict in a healthy way.
Say how you feel when something doesn’t sit well with you, and don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself if a man is not treating you right.
4) Handling Closure When He Reappears
Closure can be elusive when dealing with a man who disappears and reappears. You may be left wondering why he left or what he wants now that he’s back.
While closure may not always be possible, there are ways to handle the situation assertively and with clarity.
The Elusive Closure
Closure means getting an explanation for why a man disappeared, often through a phone call or face-to-face conversation. While it may be tempting to hold out hope for closure, it’s important to recognize that it may not always be possible.
The man may not be willing or able to give you the explanation you’re looking for, or he may simply not have a good reason for disappearing in the first place.
Being Polite yet Assertive
If you’re looking for closure, it’s important to be polite yet assertive when talking to the man who disappeared. Acknowledge his disappearance and let him know that it hurt or frustrated you.
Then, request an explanation for why he left and what he wants now that he’s back. Be clear about your boundaries and expectations, and communicate them in a calm and respectful manner.
Moving On with Clarity
If you’ve decided that you’re not willing to give the man another chance, it’s important to let him know kindly. You can say something like, “I appreciate you reaching out, but I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to continue talking.
I need someone who will be consistent and respectful of my time and emotions.” This communicates clearly that you’re not interested in rekindling the relationship and sets a boundary to stop communication. Moving on with clarity means recognizing that closure may not always be possible and that you don’t need it to move on.
It means being willing to communicate assertively and with respect, even when it’s difficult. It means recognizing your worth and standing up for yourself, even when it’s hard.
Ultimately, it means creating healthy relationship skills that will serve you well in the future.
5) Giving Him Another Chance
Sometimes, you might feel compelled to give a man who has disappeared and reappeared another chance. While it’s important to be cautious and clear about your expectations, it’s also possible to give someone a second chance if you feel it’s worth it.
Responding with Confidence and Assertiveness
If you decide to give a man another chance, it’s important to respond with confidence and assertiveness. This means having a phone call or face-to-face conversation to discuss what happened, setting clear boundaries and expectations, and communicating honestly and directly.
Be kind but firm, and don’t let him off the hook too easily.
Trust Your Intuition
Before giving a man another chance, it’s important to do an intuition check. Take a moment to tune into your body and assess how you feel.
Do you feel excited and hopeful, or do you feel hesitant and uncertain? If you feel any negative or uncomfortable feelings, it’s important to listen to them and ask yourself what they’re trying to tell you.
It’s also important to consider whether the man has a legitimate excuse for disappearing. If it was a one-time thing and he has a good reason, such as a family emergency or a work crisis, it might be worth giving him another chance.
However, if he’s disappeared multiple times or doesn’t have a good explanation, it might be a sign that he’s not ready for a healthy relationship.
Making a Decision for Yourself
Ultimately, the decision to give a man another chance is up to you. If you decide to try again, make sure you set clear boundaries and communicate honestly and directly.
If you decide to let him go, don’t hesitate to politely but firmly let him know that you’re not interested in pursuing things further. You can choose to ignore, delete, or even block him if necessary to maintain your own emotional health.
6) Looking for Men That Deserve Your Time and Attention
If you’ve been dealing with a man who disappears and reappears, it’s important to take a step back and re-evaluate what you’re looking for in a partner. Rather than settling for less than you deserve, focus on finding men who respect and value your time and attention.
Signs of a Player
A player is someone who gives you just enough attention to keep you interested but never really commits to a real relationship. They may give you “crumbs” of affection or attention but never make you a priority.
Look out for signs of a player, such as inconsistency in communication or behavior, a reluctance to commit, and a lack of respect for your time and emotions.
Seeking Healthy Partnerships
A healthy partnership is built on mutual respect, trust, and effective communication. Look for men who live in integrity, meaning their words match their actions.
Look for men who prioritize you and your relationship, not just when it’s convenient for them. Maintain healthy communication throughout the relationship and be willing to have difficult conversations when necessary.
Never Settling for Less
Above all, remember that you’re worthy of respect and a healthy relationship. Don’t settle for crumbs or someone who isn’t willing to commit to you fully.
Keep looking for the man who truly deserves your time and attention, and don’t settle for less. It may take time, but finding the right partner will be worth it in the end.
In conclusion, handling a man who disappears and reappears can be a tricky situation, but it’s crucial to remember that you deserve to be treated with respect and consideration. Communicating assertively and setting boundaries can help you navigate these situations, but ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for yourself.
Trusting your intuition, looking for men who deserve your time and attention, and never settling for less than you deserve are all key components of creating healthy relationships. By prioritizing your own emotional health and well-being, you’ll be better equipped to find the partner who truly deserves your time and attention.
