It’s over and done with. Your ex-boyfriend is the last person in the world you want to meet any time soon. But life is not a dream come true, and sometimes your ex lives just a stone’s throw away. Whether it’s at the checkout in the supermarket, in a bar, or on the street, you run the risk of running into him everywhere. We’ll explain how you can save face here.
You’re walking through the Sunday flea market, hangover, and you’re heading for your favorite café. A quick, strong coffee and then back to the sofa—that’s all you want now. But suddenly you see a familiar, tousled head in the crowd. It’s your ex-boyfriend. Your first instinct: run! The next second you realize that your hair is greasy, you haven’t put on any makeup, and your sweater has thick grease stains from the midnight pizza.
Run, Forrest, run!
This is not how you imagined the first meeting after the breakup. If you would meet him at all, you would only want to meet him in the perfect outfit, with the perfect hairstyle and a smile that would melt your heart. Your chance at this moment: He may not have seen you yet.
Escape forward!
If your ex-partner comes straight up to you and an unavoidable conversation awaits you, you have to stay extremely cool. Do you have sunglasses with you? Take them out so you can avoid direct eye contact. Or wrap a scarf over your hungover face.
Nothing wrong with that? Then take the plunge! Stay cool, smile, and look straight into the eyes. There’s no reason to be ashamed. Even without makeup, you’re a goddess! If he just nods at you briefly, you’re lucky. Nod back in a friendly manner and quickly go on your way. If he starts a conversation, you can simulate an important call. A quick dismissal with “Hi. No time. It’s the office. Ciao!” and a hasty exit could save you from this situation. It’s not a masterpiece, but special situations require special measures.
Horror scenario: Surprise! Surprise!
He surprises you completely and suddenly appears in front of you around the next corner. Your heart is racing. You stare at him with wide eyes. Don’t run away like a wounded deer. Make direct eye contact, and don’t forget to breathe in and out deeply. Think carefully about what you’re going to say before you start talking uncontrollably. After one or two sentences, you might be able to get out of the situation by saying, “Sorry, I’m in a hurry.”
Worst-case scenario: He has a new
The horror of every encounter with your ex: He has his new girlfriend with him. It is the most difficult challenge of all. If you are still attached to him, it will tear you apart, but the chance of reconciliation is hopeless for now. So the first rule: stay cool. Introduce yourself briefly. This way you show true greatness and can impress your new partner with your appearance. Of course, you can still briefly check out the new girl. Then you can politely get out of the situation with a white lie.
If there is still a need to talk between you, the new girlfriend does not have to be there. You feel uncomfortable, and he probably does too. Don’t make it more uncomfortable than necessary. You are both adults, so no matter how short or long the first meeting is, remain polite. Especially if he is not. Don’t throw old arguments at him. There is always time for that later, when you have prepared better. Avoid farewell phrases like “See you soon” or “Let’s meet again for coffee.” You don’t want to see him again or “meet for coffee.”
Last but not least: If your ex has moved far enough away, you can now wipe off your fearful sweat and pat yourself on the back in satisfaction. Well done; that was very mature of you. You can now also complain to your best friend about your ex, his new hairstyle, and his new girlfriend. Nobody is perfect. You can find tips on how to deal with your breakup better here. Or are you one of those girls who stay friends with their ex anyway?
