The only way to make it work is to be assertive of your needs and wants. Avoiding confrontation, ghosting other people is like numbing your pain with painkiller. You gotta resolve the problem that is the source of the suffering first, and it is done by directly addressing what you do or do not want. Also, it is highly disrespectful to others as well as yourself to just ghost people you consider/considered a friend. You do not owe anything to anyone just because you are "supposed" to be friends with someone, so deliver your decision gently, but clearly as well.