I will be around my husband's ex-wife for a day, any advice?

[Anonymous]

So, their daughter have an archery tournament, and so they need to be both there. This is my first time to be around her the whole day. We only waved at each other one time but haven't talked. We might sit beside each other the whole day watching their daughter. How should I handle this situation? I don't have to talk to her, right? Or initiate any conversation? I know it would be awkward. I haven't dealt with an ex-wife before. Please give me some advice. Thank you. By the way, she is 20 years older than me.

[Anonymous]

Talk to her. Be nice. I don’t see what’s so hard about that. Has she given you a reason not to be nice to her? Hopefully she’s more about the child than herself even if their relationship didn’t work out. A lot of women are more about their happiness than their children’s happiness. Hopefully she’s not like that. Have you asked you husband? He would know best what she’s like. Are they on good terms? I’d say just be polite until she gives you a reason not to. Even if she gives you a reason not to just understand that this is about the kid, not the grownups. You both waved at each other so I think she would be a descent person.

[slatyb]

Behave like a civilized human being. If she's polite you can say hello. She will want to know that you are kind to her daughter. I hope that you are. One of the nicest things I heard from my wife was that her daughter reported to her ex-husband that I was always kind to her.

[rosemilk]

just be nice and don't think of her as his ex wife, just think of her as like a coworker or something small

[AviatorTom]

Treat her like a person. Make small talk. It would be rude to ignore her.