A slow fade is an ending performed at a speed that lets the person doing it avoid ever having done it. The replies get shorter, the gaps get longer, and nothing is ever declared. It's designed so you'll drift off first and save him the sentence.
You are not imagining it, and you don't have to wait to be sure. You're allowed to name it before it completes.
Compare this fortnight to a month ago. Fades are only visible over that kind of distance, which is exactly why they work.
“feels like this has naturally wound down — no hard feelings at all if so. just didn't want to leave it hanging.”
“i think we're both slow-fading each other at this point. shall we call it?”
“this seems to be fizzling. i'd rather end it clearly than drift. all the best.”
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Was It Casual is for reflection, not therapy or professional advice.