We all want something.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about the idea of being ghosted—and how much broader it is than we usually admit.
I used to associate ghosting almost exclusively with dating. Online apps. Blind dates. Promises to call that never materialized. We’ve all heard the stories. I’ve been on the receiving end—and, if I’m honest, I’ve done it myself.
With time, I think I’ve matured. If something isn’t a good fit, I say so. I show up. I don’t leave people waiting.
In December, I listed my iPad on Facebook Marketplace. It was almost brand new, used only a handful of times, and came with a great case and keyboard. The interactions felt eerily similar to dating apps.
Twice, I arranged to meet someone in person. Both times I received texts like “running late” or “on my way.”
Neither person ever showed.
Then, a couple of weeks ago, I received a new message. She asked if I’d accept a reasonable offer. I said yes. Her offer was exactly that—reasonable and fair. We agreed to meet.
She arrived early. Cash in hand.
She was a college student, and this iPad was exactly what she was looking for. In that moment, something clicked. All of those earlier messages, excuses, and wasted trips weren’t failures. They were filters.
They were quietly clearing the path to the right buyer—someone ready, respectful, and aligned. She was who I’d been waiting for. And the iPad was what she had been waiting for.
Since then, I’ve revisited this idea often. Situations act as filters—channeling out what isn’t going to work.
This shows up everywhere:
relationships, job applications, apartment searches, home buying…you name it.
So here’s my invitation today:
Think of a situation in your life that did work out. Hold onto that memory when you’re feeling discouraged, impatient, or ghosted by an opportunity you really wanted.
Remember the filters.
Even when part of you is thinking, “C’mon already—make this happen,” it may help to trust that the right moment—and the right match—is still forming.
You don’t have to rush it into existence.
Sometimes, things are quietly lining up.
Has this ever happened to you? I’d love to hear!