What do you do when you know you're about to see your ex again in a social setting?

[DishLady]

I was invited to an event and I accepted, not realizing the person I asked is directly connected to my ex. (Before I realized I offered to help out with the event, blah blah, so now I feel a little stuck.)

Anyway, I'm going. My go-to thing is to simply brace myself then (1) smile and be pleasant/social with everyone and (2) look right through him as if he's just another piece of furniture in the room.

I might bring someone with me. I'm not sure yet.

What do you do when you know you're going to see your ex?

[OlderAndWiser]

I seldom see any of my exes, but in August, I moved into a home that is probably about 1,000 feet from my ex's home. However, we are in separate developments that are not directly connected and it is probably about a 1½ mile drive to her house. I've seen her once, at a distance, in the grocery store, but didn't approach her. I don't see anything good coming from me talking to her. (Yes, my wife knew about this before we decided to buy the house.)

However, if my ex saw me and approached, I wouldn't avoid her. We would have a polite, pleasant, superficial, and brief conversation.

[DishLady]

I can have a pleasant convo with someone I hung out with only one or two times. But of my ex hubby or 2 ex bfs? No... they're unpleasant, otherwise I'd still be in a relationship.

[Ironco]

Call them by the wrong name...

If it's Gary call them Greg, or something close but not quite right. Have a quick hello and go on you're way.

Works every time, and then they have to feel small and like you forgot about them.

[DishLady]

Lol. I did that one time. It was a gal who unknowingly introduced me to my ex at a party. I just said "nice to meet you" and excused myself to go chat with other people. He ended up following me around trying to talk to me. It was a little odd.

[beenherebefore]

I've never been in a situation where I knew in advance my ex would be there. If it happens I wouldn't do anything and act normal. I've been in a long term relationship for a while, exes do not affect me at all.

[DishLady]

True. I think if enough time had passed or the person is in a relationship it's not too much of a challenge.

[beenherebefore]

Yea no big deal.

[queenofcardio]

I would like act he wasn't there. It might be easier to bring a friend

[DishLady]

Yes, I was thinking the same thing.

[ryanrhino]

It depends on the event, but I treat them as an acquaintance, communicating surface level topics. I wonder what happens when my oldest child may wed... And I can stay on the other side of the room after the ceremony.

[DishLady]

Nah. I want nothing to do with the guy and I don't want new people to associate us with each other.

[fish5505_87]

Hymmm? I am still friends with most of my ex's, I've been married/with my wife for over 20 years. So have most of them! Sorry I cannot help! Keep your head up and be your strong confident self!!

[DishLady]

Trying. This guy likes to go for the jugular.

[fish5505_87]

Good Luck, say hi and politely ignore him!

[DishLady]

Nah, I pass on the "Hi" with this one.

[fish5505_87]

Even Better! Cheers!

[Mark987]

I am amibical with all my ex's, but I willl go that extra mile to look good lol.

[DishLady]

Good call.

[Fireguy17]

it depends on which one.
A couple of them we are friends, and a couple I couldn't care less about.

[spartan55]

Fortunately for me that has almost zero chance of happening.

[bowenw]

Thankfully that has never happened. I don't think I would do anything differently and would be civil if the two of us came face to face.

[Daytoday79]

I guess might depend on how things ended. If badly, I'd try to be stone hearted when I confronted him.

[WhitneySnow]

I do what you do

[worldscolide]

Run..

[DishLady]

Hahaha