Drew Barrymore Reveals Recent Dating Ghosting Experience
In a candid disclosure, actress and television personality Drew Barrymore recently shared her experience of being ghosted after a promising first date. Speaking on her daytime program, “The Drew Barrymore Show,” the celebrity opened up about the common dating phenomenon, highlighting that even well-known figures are not immune to the abrupt end of communication.
Disclosure on “The Drew Barrymore Show”
During Monday’s broadcast of “The Drew Barrymore Show,” Barrymore discussed the dating misadventure with co-host Ross Mathews and guest Valerie Bertinelli. She recounted going out for dinner with a man earlier in the month, setting the stage for her relatable dating anecdote.
Recounting the Ghosting Incident
According to Barrymore, the date appeared to be successful, with the man initiating an exchange of phone numbers. Following the initial meeting, they engaged in a brief text message conversation.
“Since our date, I sent him a text, saying, ‘It was lovely seeing you the other night.’ We texted back and forth a couple of times, and then he replied with, ‘Haaaaa.’ And then, silence,” Barrymore, age 50, revealed to her audience and co-hosts.
Reflections on Modern Dating and Ghosting
Barrymore expressed her bewilderment at the situation, questioning the lack of follow-through after an apparent connection. “It just happens. I don’t understand it. I truly don’t understand it. I would never behave in such a manner. It doesn’t even occur to me to treat someone like that. If you show interest initially, why would you not continue that?” she pondered, reflecting on the frustrating nature of ghosting.

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Perspectives on the Text Message Exchange
“The 50 First Dates” star acknowledged that ghosting is a widespread occurrence. “It happens to everyone – even the most wonderful among us. Good individuals who would never consider treating others disrespectfully,” she affirmed, as reported by People.
Barrymore further detailed a conversation with a friend about the “Haaaaa” text. “Today, a friend inquired, ‘Did he respond to your message with a single ‘A’?’ … And I clarified, ‘No, it was more like five or six A’s.’ And they responded, ‘Oh no, that’s actually positive.’”
Interpreting Texting Signals
Mathews, age 45, offered a male perspective, suggesting “I must say, as a man … it is slightly more encouraging that he responded with, ‘Hahahahaha.’ That indicates the conversation is progressing. It wasn’t just a curt ‘Ha,’ period.”
Advocating for Clear Communication in Dating
However, Barrymore expressed her preference for straightforward communication. “I’ll tell you what I prefer next: clear and direct communication. Simple, understandable words. I don’t want to navigate dating where the number of ‘A’s dictates my romantic status. I don’t comprehend the meaning. Modern dating is perplexing. Let’s avoid investing time in individuals who are ultimately wasting our time. In fact, those who ghost are essentially time-savers in disguise,” Barrymore concluded.
The Emotional Impact of Ghosting and Self-Compassion
The mother of two emphasized the detrimental effects of ghosting, noting it can push individuals into a “critical state,” leading to excessive self-analysis of perceived missteps.
“Ghosting can trigger self-doubt. People might start overly scrutinizing their actions. Perhaps dwelling on something they believe they said that was foolish, which, in my case, happens frequently,” she conceded.
Yet, the “Charlie’s Angels” actress encouraged viewers to practice self-compassion.
“Truly, if there’s a key lesson life has imparted to me at age 50, it is the vital importance of being kinder, more gentle and understanding toward ourselves,” she advised. “You are deserving of kindness and respect in all interactions.”
Past Marital Experiences and Family Life
The “Wedding Singer” star also recently spoke candidly about her past romantic relationships, specifically her divorce from Will Kopelman, with whom she shares daughters Olive, 12, and Frankie, 10.
“Everything felt incredibly devastating and recovery was prolonged whenever a relationship didn’t conform to the traditional family structure I had so strongly envisioned for my children, precisely because my own upbringing lacked that consistency,” Barrymore explained regarding their 2016 separation.
The actress further noted that the most significant adjustment after the divorce was navigating life as a single parent.