A dating expert has issued a warning over the key tell-tale signs to look out for that means you're being 'zombied'.
The new viral dating craze is taking the internet by storm, with millions of singletons weighing in on their experiences with the freaky new phenomenon.
But, it's not all doom and gloom as one dating coach has offered some heartbreak-saving advice on how to spot a zombie when it comes to the weird world of romance.
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And, as if right out of a horror flick, there are a handful of jump-scares - or warning signs - that should keep you alert from falling victim to these new dating villains.
The term has been making its rounds on TikTok for a moment now, with people claiming getting 'zombied' is now even worse than getting ghosted.
In case you've somehow gone through the past few days without coming across the term - lucky you - to be given the 'zombie' treatment is like ghosting on steroids.
Dating coach Hayley Quinn explained a little more about the trend and how it got its bizarre name.
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She told LADbible: "When someone zombies you, they take it one step further than just ghosting.
"Not only will they mysteriously disappear from your life, but they will also reappear without explanation days, weeks, months or even years later."
So, to make sure people don't get caught up with one of these metaphorical, but all the while still haunting, flesh-eating corpses, Hayley has identified the tell-tale warning signs to look out for when you have been 'zombied' by someone.
Coming up as number one, which is sadly all-too relatable, is the dreaded 'Hi, how are you?' message from an old flame completely out of the blue.
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The expert adds that it usually comes 'just when you'd forgotten all about them'.
Without any context and being way too casual for comfort, Hayley says people should be wary of what could just look like a friendly check-in to the naked eye.
The second key thing to look out for is if the person totally glides over the fact they haven't spoken to you in yonks.
Hayley notes: "They recontact you as if nothing's happened, even if it's been a long period of time between you being in touch."
Whether that's been a few weeks of radio silence or a months-long ordeal of digital departure - the dating coach highlights that it's a major red flag if they pop up without any explanation for the lack of communication.
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The third, and probably most important, sign to keep an eye out for is a way more subtle but a whole lot eerier.
Hayley identifies the final foreshadowing: "They stopped replying to your messages, but then they reach out to you again on social media."
Closely connected to warning sign number two, this is meticulously calculated so the zombie is able to more seamlessly brush past the fact they have resurrected themselves in your life after what feels like an age of absence.
Any of the above sound familiar?
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Well, I'm sorry to break to you but you may have been zombied, my friend.
But, not to worry as Hayley has offered some vital advice to help you navigate the apocalyptic world of what we now call the dating scene.
She says: "Remember if someone zombies you then it's not a reflection on your self-worth.
"Don't fall into the trap of believing that they've ditched you and disrespected your needs then will magically transform into the perfect partner for someone else."
Hayley adds that a zombie's actions are more of a reflection of themselves and 'where they're at in their life' more so than you.
"Zombie behaviour shows you clearly that they're not able to give you a relationship, and aren't the kind of person you want to keep investing your time and energy into," she warns.
Hayley explains that people 'zombie' their potential love interests because they're 'totally inconsiderate' of your needs.
"They dodge the tricky conversation of explaining why they no longer want to keep seeing you, then when they feel bored or lonely reach out to you as a source of comfort or entertainment; without understanding that they owe you an explanation," she added.
Instead of fretting over the parasite, the dating coach advises that you should simply recognise their behaviour as 'immature' and make the mental note that a zombie is not someone you can ever have a 'serious' relationship it.
Hopefully you're now more equipped for armageddon.
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Viral, TikTok
Rhiannon Ingle