Mercury Retrograde Alert: Why You’re More Likely to Be Ghosted Now!

For those who follow astrology or find themselves in circles that do, Mercury retrograde is a familiar topic. It’s often portrayed as a time of chaos, causing everything from communication breakdowns and technological mishaps to complications in personal relationships.

There’s a particularly strong belief that Mercury retrograde significantly affects romantic relationships. Although it may seem like just another quirky astrology theory, some recent data suggests that astrologers might be onto something regarding its adverse effects on dating.

A recent study by the dating application Hily found that many users noticed a spike in dating problems, such as ghosting or disappointing encounters, during periods of Mercury retrograde. You might think this is just a placebo effect—after all, we’re often told how disruptive Mercury retrograde can be, influencing our emotions and even our gadgets.

Interestingly, the respondents in the Hily survey were not aware that their dating mishaps coincided with Mercury retrograde, indicating they experienced more negative dating incidents during these times without knowing why.

Understanding Mercury Retrograde

The Old Farmer’s Almanac explains that Mercury retrograde occurs three to four times a year. This phenomenon happens when Mercury appears to move backward in its orbit from our viewpoint on Earth, though it’s really just an optical illusion.

Astrology practitioners have long associated this period with increased confusion, delays, and frustrations—imagine undelivered love letters, email mishaps, and chaotic travel plans, as noted by the almanac.

Yet, it’s not entirely negative. Mercury retrograde is also considered a time for reflection and can coincide with unexpected, significant events.

Mercury Retrograde Approaches: Expect Dating Challenges

The data from Hily suggests that dating during Mercury retrograde can be particularly tricky. Here are some common issues that daters face according to the survey:

Increased Ghosting

Ghosting is already prevalent in the modern dating scene, but it seems to rise during Mercury retrograde. Hily’s survey indicated that 74% of women and 77% of men reported an increase in ghosting on dating apps during these periods.

Rise in Misunderstandings and Miscommunications

Misunderstandings and miscommunications can ruin promising relationships, and unfortunately, Mercury retrograde is notorious for causing these issues. According to the survey, 60% of women and 49% of men encountered more misunderstandings or miscommunications during Mercury retrograde.

Tech Glitches in Apps

Technology disruptions are another hallmark of Mercury retrograde, leading astrologers to advise backing up data and not depending solely on electronic devices. The Hily data supports this caution, with 38% of women and 44% of men noticing increased technical problems on dating apps during these times.

More Bad Dates

While bad dates are common year-round, they seem to occur even more frequently during Mercury retrograde. According to the survey, 38% of young women and 33% of men reported having more unsatisfactory dates than usual during these periods.

Navigating Dating Amidst Mercury Retrograde

If this data is anything to go by, the influence of Mercury retrograde on dating is hard to ignore. I’m not an astrologer, and I’m not claiming that all your dating issues are due to Mercury retrograde, but it’s interesting to consider the potential impact.

Regardless, dating can often feel like navigating a battlefield. Whether Mercury is in retrograde or not, it’s wise to tread carefully in the dating world.