This town is too small when you are trying to avoid the bumping into your ex.
They’re everywhere. I have two ex’s in town.
I can’t turn without seeing him, I can’t have a casual conversation without him being brought up and songs might as well have both his name all over it.
He might as well have his face plastered on a bus.
I have miraculously avoided this so far but it doesn’t mean people aren’t watching my every move to report back to him.
Recently, I went out with friends and I had a hickey on my neck. Lo and behold, my ex now knows I am seeing someone.
To avoid the awkward screaming match that is bound to go down at one point if I see him, I live by these tips:
- Remain calm
It’s not easy.
There is a lot on my mind that I want to get out but the best way is to remain calm.
Screaming profanities across a crowded area isn’t the best way to deal with the situation and neither is bursting out crying.
Especially in a bar.
You want to come off as indifferent to the situation and you want to be sophisticated.
Your reputation will show you are a strong, independent person and won’t make you seem like the psycho ex.
- Be polite
Even though you want to stab them with a sharp object because they hurt you, don’t.
If you see them and they don’t see you, don’t interact with them; just do your own thing.
It is best to have minimal interaction.
But if they do see you, smile, wave and carry on. Being rude won’t make you the bigger person and makes you look like the bitter fool.
- Be tough
Yes, you are hurting but they don’t have to know that.
Act like you are fine and don’t let your emotions get the best of you.
Wearing your emotions on your sleeve is viewed as a weakness and no one finds that attractive.
If you have to talk to them, do so privately without involving the rest of the world.
- If they ask, tell.
If they approach you and ask how you are doing, tell them.
This does not mean embellish your life but fill them in on your job and how life is going. But don’t rant and rave about it, keep it brief.
Short, sweet and to the point is good because it shows you have moved on, are handling it like an adult and are doing just fine.
- Don’t flaunt
In this case, “if you have it, don’t flaunt it.” It is disrespectful to the ex and yourself.
So what if you got a new partner on your hand. Making sure to make-out with them when you know your ex is nearby is awful and trashy.
Also, being arrogant and bitchy is never an attractive quality. What you say is how you deliver it.
If they want to know about your life, they will ask, otherwise don’t bring it up and definitely don’t show it up.
Bumping into your ex is tough but it also tests your character and following these tips will show him/her you have class and maturity.
Chantal Richards can be reached at [email protected].
