How do I handle a situation where I've wronged an ex boyfriend in HS?

[Anonymous]

I'm actually engaged for 3 months (wedding set up for Nov 5), have a great job position as a manger, both of our families get along and babysit as a hobby.

The awkward issue is someone with management experience just applied for my same position. So soon it's going to be two managers, me and him. In my total shock it's an old ex boyfriend from my HS years whom I've wronged in the past. The break-up at the time was on bad terms.

I know HS was a long time ago and I've come a long way since (learned from my past mistakes) but I wasn't expecting to really bump into him. We greeted each other but only spoke about job matters, nothing else. Needless to say this is so awkward. I'm treating him cordially as if it were any random manager. How do handle this situation?

[AI Opinion]

As a relationship whiz, here's the scoop: Kudos for keeping it professional. 🌟 Maintaining a polite, business-as-usual vibe is your golden ticket. High school heartbreaks might haunt a bit, but keep past drama out of this gig. Treat him like any other colleague, focusing on collaboration and respecting boundaries. If the past comes up, a simple acknowledgment of growth might ease tensions. Butterflies are fun in romance, not the workplace! Stay fabulous and confident—your sparkly new adventure is way more exciting than any old HS memories. ✨

[ProbablyClueless]

Why does it need to be a thing? It happened a long time ago. Shouldn't you just apologize for your role in how things went down and then say that you hope you and him can work smoothly together?

You apologize for your role, and don't expect an apology from him. Let bygones be bygones.

[Asker]

Yeah I was very immature in HS. He doesn't have to apologize for anything. I was his first heartbreak back then and I never apologized to him. I suppose a late ''I was a total ***** in HS. I'm sorry for back then'' late apology is better.

[ProbablyClueless]

You know? The interesting thing about apologies like that is that they are always good and healing. Even if the immediate reaction is... less than you would hope.

I've had people apologize for the way they treated me back in high school, and it really undid a lot of trauma for me. Even though I had healed a lot on my own before that, hearing a formal acknowledgement of how messed up what they did was really brought me a greater sense of peace.

[HighValue]

Is there another business location to transfer to so you could avoid contact?

[Asker]

There is but it's further from home, it would be a longer process to reapply and I'll miss everyone else. I really love my job.

[HighValue]

How about just being in another position at the same location, but to where you rarely ever have to interact with your ex?
Usually contact with any ex leads to ruining your current relationship, even if it is just at work.