There is a new dating trend on the rise – or rather, an old nightmare with a new name – called being a ‘zombie’. ‘Zombie’ in dating refers to old flames seemingly coming back from the dead after haunting you for a while.
But then they disappear again… only to return once more, creating a ridiculous cycle of stress, heartache, and irritation.
+ These 4 signs can’t keep their word
+ 21-year-old dies after silicone implant procedure
+ Video: Belarusian military aircraft explodes moments after landing
Although the term has been in our modern dating vocabulary for a few years, the unfortunate trend has recently taken off on TikTok when user @mariel_darling shared her dating experiences. “Girl, are you being ghosted? I’m here being a zombie.”
Interestingly, many internet users have shared how multiple exes tend to come back at the same time. “Have you ever noticed that they all haunt you at the same time? Like, why are four guys from my past showing up on the same day???” asked one TikTok user. Another wrote, “It happens to me all the time. And it’s always a few at the same time. It’s as if they planned it.”
Tip: Mercury retrograde.
The astrology of zombies
For those who don’t know, Mercury retrograde often brings back into our lives people we’ve lost contact with in the past. They can be ex-partners coming back out of the blue, but they can also be former friends, distant relatives, and sometimes even connections from past lives that give us a serious case of déjà vu. And this recent wave of zombies has a strange retrograde vibration of Mercury.
Mercury retrograde occurs at least three times a year, and its most recent occurrence began on April 21, 2023, and will last until May 14, 2023.
When Mercury is retrograde, communication failures and technological glitches become common. Of course, some people escape the effects of Mercury retrograde, especially if they have a natal Mercury Rx. But most people are not so lucky.
+ The bizarre prediction of Nostradamus: King Charles III will abdicate the throne for Prince Harry
Mercury retrograde reminds us of things we left behind in the past, like an old lover or friend. Sometimes, randomly, it prompts us to continue something we started many months ago and then forgot about. Maybe a hobby or a job interview where we never received a call. And this happens with your exes too.
Perhaps a dating app failed or someone suddenly canceled a date. Or maybe they have a lingering “desire.” Whatever the reason, they decide to buzz back into your life and waste your time. And the most dishonest zombies are excellent at convincing you that they’ve changed their minds or anything else they know you want to hear – Mercury is also the planet of lies.
The problem is that retrograde Mercury relationships often resemble a doomed romance or a holiday fling. They disappear when Mercury goes direct again and old problems arise (or can no longer be ignored). This makes the zombie dating trend even more dangerous for your emotional health and well-being.
There are three things you cannot escape in life: death, taxes, and exes coming back during Mercury retrograde. However, you can be prepared for them.
Take a deep breath and don’t immediately exhaust yourself if Mercury retrograde brings something unwanted into your life, whether it’s an ex or a technological glitch. If you’re not face to face, you can have fun responding to your ex (if you want to). And if you don’t, this is the perfect time to build your “establishing boundaries” muscles and not respond.
Block and don’t pursue. And if you can’t block, do what some people suggested on TikTok: put gravestone emojis next to their names to remind yourself not to answer their calls.
It’s okay if you responded in the beginning but no longer want to communicate. Record your feelings and remember why this person is wrong for you.
Practice makes perfect. You can be cordial if you randomly bump into an ex, but don’t let them keep talking to you for too long. Distance yourself from the zombie, quickly!
