Ghosting is actually more obvious than you know. It can be noticeable enough when done repetitively. It can be sensed by instincts. Confrontation will most likely result when proven true and when the doer is deemed guilty.
I have tried putting this undesirable issue in the points of view from the:
(1) one committing the action; and from the,
(2) one victimized by the action.
For the one doing the ghosting:
Disregarding someone's presence intentionally is a secret that will eventually be revealed by skeptical peers and by people who are accurate in the interpretation of body language.
1. Ignoring someone on purpose will be gradually noticed by mutual friends.
This may only be true if you and the victim of ghosting are always around each other despite not exchanging words and deeds.
This can also happen in social media when you stop: (1) tagging him/her in your posts, (2) messaging him/her, and (3) posting pictures including her/him.
It may not be obvious from the start but as long as you keep showing repetitive and avoidant behavior towards your victim, mutual friends will not help but notice and disclose their observations.
Certain statements and questions will be undeniably raised:
"Why didn't you answer him/her? He/She asked you a question and you didn't even respond."
"You hate being around her/him, don't you?"
"Both of you used to talk. Now, what?"
"Hey, you've been behaving so quietly around him/her. What happened?"
"Have you two been in a fight or what?"
As the one engaged in ghosting, you would find it hard to express your answers to those questions without being judged so deliberately afterwards. Most people guilty of ghosting may also resort to denial, be them (1) fabricating lies or (2) simply dismissing the topic before it gets tackled further and deeper.
2. People around you may acknowledge that you're strangers with one another.
You're shunning all means of contact with your victim, as explained in Point # 1. Because of this, people, especially the ones who do not know you at a personal level, will probably assume that you and your victim have no memories shared and have nothing to do with each other as friends.
As the one doing the ghosting, you would definitely acknowledge your ghosting performance depending on how you feel. Most people who ghost in real life that I know would feel triumphant because their methods have worked and because they have seen themselves as successful. However, some people do feel guilty about what they're doing yet they proceed to ghosting, anyway.
3. Your victim will approach you and will probably open up with you about the issue.
"Listen. Are you, by chance, mad at me?
I haven't heard from you for a while."
Having your victim to approach you, I can say, is the most credible evidence of revelation. This means that he/she has caught up with the signs you have displayed and had him/her realize that there IS something wrong.
As the doer of ghosting, you will have no room for aversion anymore once this happens. You will be forced to interact and, possibly, entertain demands: (1) answer questions and (2) tell reasons behind your idea of ghosting on him/her.
For the ones victimized by ghosting:
Being someone's target (whatever his/her personal reasons may be) is a bothersome and strange experience to live by. Oftentimes, personal reasons for ghosting on you are egotistical in nature and most are naturally driven by the doer's emotions.
1. You and your mutual friends will notice a sudden change in the doer's interactions with you.
"Hi, guys!"
*hugs almost everyone in the room but doesn't do the same to you*
"I have to go. Bye!"
*smiles at everyone in the room but doesn't do the same to you*
Acting that you don't even exist. This is how ghosting hurts for the victim's part. The doer seems to relate a ghost's invisibility to the presence of his/her person(s) of interest.
Being ignored hurts and aches especially when done by the persons who you think would never leave you.
When ghosting is obvious enough, this will be noticed by mutual friends as well.
2. You would feel the urge to approach whoever is ghosting you.
Because ghosting is dead obvious when done repetitively, it can yield to conclusions for the victim's part.
Once you fully catch the attention of whoever is ghosting on you, you would suddenly want to disclose your sentiments about it.
Suddenly ignoring someone will be overly bothersome for you, victim. This will leave you to be self-conscious about what you have done wrong in the past that has affected your bond as friends or companions. You would also yearn for personal reasons for ghosting on you.
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