Where Michigan Ranks Among States Likely to Ghost Dates

If a potential partner abruptly stopped communication without prior notice or explanation, you may have experienced a situation commonly referred to as "ghosting." The Forbes Health survey polled 5,000 Americans who have actively dated in the last five years. They did this to reveal how ghosting has impacted their "situationships," and the states where it’s most likely to happen. The survey included questions regarding experiences with ghosting in the context of dating, the timing of such incidents within the relationship, the emotional impact of the experience, and similar aspects.

The findings reveal that 76% of survey participants have had experiences related to ghosting in the context of dating. About 60% reported being ghosted, and 45% admitted to ghosting others. They found an equal distribution of responsibility between men and women, as 44% of males and 47% of females acknowledge ghosting someone. Interestingly, a higher percentage of men (64%) are open about having been ghosted compared to women (57%). The survey also pinpoints the states where ghosting is most prevalent, with the highest instances of either experiencing or perpetrating ghosting.

Michigan ranked as one of the states where ghosting is least likely to happen. It secured the third spot on the list of places with lower instances of ghosting. About 57% of people in the state reported experiencing either being ghosted or engaging in ghosting. On the other hand, Rhode Island is where you're most likely to be ghosted, with 93% saying they've either ghosted someone and/or been ghosted.

Also highlighted were the primary reasons for people resorting to ghosting, which were consistent among respondents. For nearly half of the survey participants, the main cause was a mismatch in relationship expectations with the other person. Slightly more than 47% of those surveyed stated that they ghosted due to a lack of compatibility with the other person's personality, while just over 45% mentioned that they didn't feel invested enough in the relationship to merit a response.

See what else was found in the study here.

A new relationship can be exciting. The possibilities are all ahead, and things seem perfect, at least for a while. This is the "honeymoon phase," where you don't see (or you ignore) all the little annoying things in your partner and feel totally infatuated. If you're lucky, that feeling lasts forever. Well, the holidays can be a difficult time for dating. So, what are some holiday dating do's and don'ts?

It really seems like people are more apt to want to get into a relationship during the holidays. It makes sense. Much of America gets cold during the holiday months, and cuddling with a significant other while watching movies and drinking hot cocoa or an adult beverage is a fun holiday activity. Also, the holidays are the time of year when you're most likely to see family and friends. If they're all hooked up with significant others, you might feel pressure to find someone, too.

Before we get into the light-hearted do's and don'ts, one serious don't is hooking up with the wrong person just to feel like you have someone during the holidays. Sure, you might feel lonely at the annual family gathering if everyone else has a date, but it's not worth dating someone who is totally wrong for you just to have arm candy at Christmas dinner. This really holds true all year, as often times, events pop up where you might think, "Hey, I would love a date for this." But, if it's the wrong person, just don't do it. You'll save yourself a lot of heartache in the end.

So, what are some holiday dating do's and don'ts? Read on for a festive list. These are especially true if you're in a new relationships, because the holidays can be brutal for new love. But, the holidays can also be beautiful for a budding romance. Reach out to us with your holiday dating stories, too.

If you're started dating someone you really like, it might be temping to bring them to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. But, that could also freak them out. I remember going out with someone just once and getting invited to a holiday dinner. It made me a little uncomfortable, because even if I liked that person, it seemed like a big jump. So, if you do want to invite that new love to a holiday family event, make sure to talk it over with them and give them the option to say no.

If you're in a newer relationship, resist the temptation to buy your new love too much for Christmas. "Oh, he's a Packers fan! I'm going to buy all the Packers gear I can find!" Just don't do it. It's okay to give gifts, but keep it small if you haven't been together long, or you might look insane.

If you're in a new relationship, you should get something for your new partner during the holidays. But, as mentioned above, don't overdo it. A small, meaningful gift will likely be welcomed during the holidays and not scare your new love away.

Maybe you're used to seeing your new love a few times a week. What if that's just once a week, or less, during the holidays? Don't freak out or start crying or anything. The holidays are a busy time for all, and that means schedules change.

You might get invited to some fun holiday parties or work parties by your new love, and you might want to invite them to yours. That's fine and much less pressure than a family event. But, be on good behavior. Don't try to be the life of the party or anything, as you might mortify your date. Sometimes, people like to overdo it in the early stages and try to really impress, but you really just need to be yourself when meeting new friends and chill out a bit.