New Delhi: Ghosting is dead. Zombies have now taken over the dating universe, it seems. They are the people who ghosted you in the past or ended the thing that you had between yourselves but choose to come back.
Zombie-ing refers to a situation in the realm of modern dating and relationships where someone who previously ghosted you or disappeared suddenly reappears, often after a significant period of time, with no explanation for their absence. It's as if they've come back from the dead, hence the term "zombie-ing". This can create confusion and mixed feelings for the person who was ghosted, as they might be unsure how to react to the sudden reconnect.
It's part of the broader landscape of digital dating and the challenges that can come with it — the new ‘villain era’, if you can call it one.
Though 'zombie-ing' as a term is new, dating expert Samantha Jayne suggests the trend has existed for as long as relationships have.
“It can be extremely damaging and confusing. Impacts self-confidence and leaves someone feeling anxious about abandonment, then when that person reappears can give a sense of hope and a painful reminder of the random departure,” she told News.com.au.
“When an old flame you are over returns out of the blue without an explanation and expects things to be normal, it is cruel and can leave you feeling bewildered. This person expects no accountability and things to go back to normal, where they left off.”
There have been several movies that had what we are now calling 'zombie-ing" as the central plot. Check out the list below.
1. Gone Girl (2014)
This thriller follows the mysterious disappearance and reappearance of Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike), which puts her husband Nick (Ben Affleck) under scrutiny. As the investigation unfolds, secrets are revealed, including the manipulation of the media and a complex web of deception. The story delves into the dark twists of their marriage and the unpredictable nature of human behaviour.
2. Scott Pilgrim Versus The World (2010)
Scott meets Ramona and falls in love at first sight. His world shifts when he crosses paths with one of her former lovers at a music contest, prompting the realisation that he must face all seven of her exes to win her heart.
3. Ghost of Girlfriends Past (2009)
Brooke (Jennifer Anniston) feels neglected by her boyfriend. Both of them decide to break up but decide to cohabitate as neither wants to give up the luxurious condo, leading to hilarious and contentious dialogue.
5. Legally Blonde (2001)
This fun-filled rom-com centres around Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon), a fashionable sorority girl who enrolls in Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend. Despite initial challenges, Elle discovers her legal prowess and helps solve a high-profile case. The film explores themes of empowerment, breaking stereotypes, and embracing individuality.
6. The Apartment (1996)
A young corporate hotshot Max abandons his thriving new world, to embark on a quest for the charms of his enigmatic ex-lover Lisa, played by Monica Belluci
7. The Woman Next Door (1981)
This French film follows the story of Mathilde and Bernard, two exes who become neighbours after years of separation. As their proximity reignites their passionate feelings, they grapple with the temptation to rekindle their affair while facing the repercussions it could have on their current relationships and lives.
8. Lifeguard (1976)
A middle-aged lifeguard, Rick, abandons his responsibilities due to the attraction of his carefree younger days and the memories of his high school sweetheart. Feeling disillusioned with his current life, he decides to take a break from his job and returns to his hometown.
9. Lola (1961)
Demy describes his French film as a ‘musical without music’. Roland is bored and young. The minute he meets his lost love, now a cabaret dancer and single mother, he falls in love. But she is on a wild goose for the man who abandoned her and their son.
10. It Always Rains On Sunday (1947)
The British film adaptation of Arthur La Bern's novel sees an escaped convict seek refuge in his former lover’s home. The twist is she is now married and refuses to help. As gangsters lurk, the film delves into complexities of the human heart.
There are several Bollywood movies also that you may have already watched where the ex returns — 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani', 'Bachna Ae Haseeno', 'Break Ke Baad', 'Queen', and 'Jab We Met'. So while the term may be new, it’s a tale as old as time, and now you may be thinking if you’ve ever been zombied...