The ex-files: Awkward encounters
Readers share their tales of disastrous run-ins with former flames.
Ah, ex-boyfriends. As hard as they are to forget, sometimes they’re even harder to avoid. For instance, I was out thrift-shopping with a friend recently when we stopped in a small vintage boutique to look around. When we walked in, I immediately heard a familiar voice and turned around to see my ex and his new girlfriend hand-in-hand. I quickly ducked behind a yellow fur coat in hopes of avoiding eye contact, but unfortunately the Big Bird disguise wasn’t as inconspicuous as I’d hoped, and we were forced to exchange hellos.While I thought that my encounter was uncomfortable, it’s nothing compared to the stories that these Nest readers had to share. Whether it’s an unexpected reunion at a wedding or an awkward run-in at the hair salon, these tales prove that some people are better left in the past.
“I was the maid of honor in my college roommate's wedding and my ex was there as an usher. I brought my boyfriend of seven months (now my husband) as my date. My ex pretty much pouted the whole time.” –Kelli A.
“I went in for a haircut and there was one girl available – my husband’s ex. I walked out because I knew I wouldn’t have hair left since she was mad at the fact that I was with him.” –Andrea B.
“My husband and I were dating only about a year when we ran into both our exes the same night in the same establishment. It was very uncomfortable because both of them treated us very badly.” –Ashley J.B
“I was shopping with my sister and we cut across a sporting goods aisle. All of a sudden, my ex turned down the same aisle. I started to panic trying to think of what I was going to say when he nodded at me and kept on walking!”
–Amanda W.
“When my husband and I were dating, he wanted to introduce me to a female friend of his from high school. When we met, she brought her boyfriend who -- unbeknownst to me -- was the guy I dated when I was in college! Our relationship didn't end very well, so it was certainly awkward when we saw each other.” –Jaclyn P.
“I ran into my ex at a restaurant we used to frequent. If it wasn’t already bad enough, I was seated within eyesight of his table and he was with the couple we used to double date with.” –Caitlin D.
“My now-husband had to sue his ex for unpaid rent -- and he used me (his new girlfriend at the time) as a character reference in court! Talk about awkward…”
–Courtney S.
“Ran into an ex-boyfriend this past November at Disney World of all places! We were shuffled into the Haunted Mansion together, right toward each other (along with my husband and my ex's wife!). Talk about the scare of my life!”
–Lauren C.
What awkward run-ins have you experienced with an ex?
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People are so dramatic, life happens and things can not be avoided. I tried dating after my divorce and found the single world even scarier than it was before. After years of first dates that would never find me wanting a second, I eventually ended up friends with my ex. Near the end of her second marriage we were talking on a regular basis, with the comfort of thousands of miles between us.
When it was time to dissolve the second marriage, she looked to me for support. Half willingly, and half undecided I accepted to help her move back to her home town. After years of separation, all of the things that have gone unsaid were forced into conversation.
We both have had time to forgive and heal from the past. Now able to talk without fear of consequences or intimidation. Two years later we are still together, and happier than we were when we were married.
I can honestly say that the only scary situation was wondering how the first minutes would feel. Sometimes what is right is right and there is no way to fight it. With her I at least know what to expect and how to read her emotions . I do not like the confusion of guessing what women want, or how they feel. Communication is probably the biggest obstacle in a good relationship. If people could be honest and admit their feelings things can go much smoother.
If you want to be happy, leave the white lies at home and be brutally honest. You can not expect others to read your mind, and be able to make you happy if you are not being completely honest with them.
One last thing to consider, if you have had many bad relationships, look in the mirror and figure out why. You are either picking the wrong people, or causing part of the problem.
This article got me too thinking.Hmmm...would I even know what my ex looks like? I don't care what you've been told because I haven't seen her mug knowingly since March 1997.
The moral of the story is that some people don't play. When we say we're through with you, we're through with you. There's a good chance I would call the police if I saw my ex.
