Dating Just Got Scarier: Welcome to the World of Being “Zombied”
Modern dating is a battlefield, and just when we thought ghosting was the worst of it, a new horror has crept in—being “zombied.”
Let’s face it: dating in the age of swipes and likes is tricky. Gone are the days of magical meet-cutes at coffee shops or bumping into “the one” at a bookstore. These days, love starts with a DM and ends with… well, sometimes nothing. Ghosting—where someone disappears without warning—has already left enough hearts broken and inboxes empty.
@mariel_darling who else has been ✨zombied✨ #dating #relationship #situationship #talkingphase #ghosting #ghosted #toxic #commitment #love #relatable #boys #commitmentissues #girls #bf #single #relationshipadvice ♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show
But here’s the twist: the ghosts are coming back.
What Exactly Is “Zombie-ing”?
Singer-songwriter Mariel Darling brought the trend to light on TikTok, exclaiming: “Girl, you’re being ghosted? I’m out here being zombied.” And yes, it’s just as weird as it sounds. Zombie-ing is when someone who ghosted you suddenly reappears, usually months later, acting as if nothing happened.
Mariel’s video struck a chord, racking up 1.5 million views, and people couldn’t agree more. She likened the NYC dating scene to an apocalyptic thriller, where commitment-phobic “zombies” tap dance around anything serious.
Shared Experiences of the Zombified
The comments section turned into a support group. One user quipped, “Why do they all zombie me on the same day? Is there a full moon or something?” Another hit the nail on the head: “It’s because the girl who dumped him realized he’s the worst, so now he’s back.” Even the official Ghostbusters TikTok chimed in, joking about the limits of their proton packs.
@mariel_darling Replying to @kelseyandcali zombie apocalypse = nyc dating #dating #relationship #situationship #talkingphase #ghosting #ghosted #toxic #commitment #love #nyc #relatable #boys #commitmentissues #girls #bf #single #relationshipadvice #nycdating #datinglife ♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show
If Ghostbusters can’t save us, who will?
How to Handle Ghosts and Zombies
While ghosting feels like a punch to the gut, zombie-ing stirs up old emotions and unanswered questions. But let’s get one thing straight: you deserve better. A simple, honest message is always the kinder way to end things, even if it feels awkward.
And for those reappearing “zombies”? Sure, people can change. But if they couldn’t respect you enough to explain their absence the first time, do they really deserve a second chance?
Have You Been “Zombied”?
Share your stories—whether hilarious, heartbreaking, or downright bizarre. Let’s turn the zombie apocalypse of dating into a conversation that helps us all survive. Because if we can’t laugh about it, what else is there?
Now go ahead, tag your friends, and warn them: the ghosts are back, and they’re hungrier than ever. 👻🧟♂️
