How To Handle Running Into An Ex

It's over between you and her. You're both moving on, but sooner or later it's going to happen: You'll bump into an ex-girlfriend. A spur-of-the-moment run-in with your ex can often be an awkward experience, whether or not it’s something you wanted to happen. Sometimes you’re so caught off-guard that you say or do something you end kicking yourself for after she walks away. Here are some tips for how you can better handle running into your ex.


1. Ignore old feelings
When you see your ex walk in the room, take the time to focus on something else before you speak to her. You want to feel normal and at ease or else you may say or do something to make a fool out of yourself. Forget that you once cared for the girl and treat her as just another old distant friend.


2. Be kind to her
Chances are that running into her is not by choice and there are many innocent bystanders around, so force yourself to take the high road and be respectful to her just like you would with anyone else.


3. Keep the conversation short
If you keep things short, there is less time for anything awkward to be said. Say your hellos and avoid the long conversations of catching up. Don’t bring up old issues and don't allow your ex to make you wander down memory lane and re-kindle old times of love and tenderness. There’s no point to it; leave the past in the past. Even if you have lingering questions you'd like answered, you’re probably standing in a place where they're inappropriate to discuss anyway.


4. Bring up good things about your life
You don’t need to brag or throw your new girlfriend in your ex’s face, but you can mention something positive that’s going on in your life. For example, if your ex asks how your life is going, respond with, “It’s going great; I just got a new job, or something along those lines. Just make sure it’s true; otherwise, if you get caught in a lie, it will only make you look foolish.

Although it's always hard to see an ex, remind yourself why things didn’t work out. It is very important to remember that you broke up for a reason. You were not meant to be, so remember what it is that you want to have in your next relationship.

Check out our article on The 4 Types of Women You Should Date.