Are you in a situation where it’s time to meet your ex’s new partner? Have you put it off as long as you can without it being awkward? I get it and have lived it. It’s a shit gig sis.
Navigating the tumultuous journey of meeting your ex’s new partner can take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, blending awkwardness with moments of pure humor…with a sprinkle of pain…(I can’t lie to you).
Anyhoo grab a drink, take a seat and brace yourself for these amusing and slightly uncomfortable reality:
Reality 1: When you first meet, you will attempt to exude an air of nonchalance, but sadly your body language and fidgeting will betray your true feelings (which are usually irrational and based on nostalgia and not harsh reality), that clearly, you’re not as cool about all this as you’d like to believe.
Reality 2: Deep down, you will wonder if your ex’s new flame is silently evaluating you in the same way you are evaluating her and taking mental pictures that you both can (and will) share with your friends later. Sipping Chardonnay as you draw unfair comparisons, or engage in some kind of unhealthy competition.
Reality 3: Because human beings are complex and for the most part pretty fucked up, engaging in conversation with your ex’s new love will have undertones of subtle rivalry – an unspoken duel to determine who holds the superior bond with your ex. Subtly trying to one-up each other becomes a cringeworthy twisted game of wits.
Reality 4: Suddenly, your self-consciousness will go into overdrive, and you will become acutely aware of your appearance. Should you have opted for a different, sexier outfit? Does your weave look expensive enough? Can they actually smell the Chanel you marinated in before you left home? These concerns flood your mind like a torrential downpour that ultimately results in a very slippery slope to psychosis!
Reality 5: Jealousy or resentment will rear their ugly heads, and you won’t understand why. Because while we all know it’s not a rational thought or emotion, this was someone you shared a life with and they are now loving someone else. It’s not an easy pill to swallow. But don’t beat yourself up – learn to embrace the moment and power of healing and remind yourself that you’ve moved on to a better place.
Despite the harsh realities above and the potential for awkwardness, this encounter can surprisingly yield moments of levity and connection if everyone behaves like an adult. Looking past possible or existing tension can result in you finding common ground or sharing humorous stories about your ex that can forge unexpected bonds.
At the end of the day let a sense of relief wash over you, and realise that your ex has finally found a new chapter in their life. They are happy and you no longer have to tolerate their peculiar quirks and idiosyncrasies. Farewell, ex-centricities!
Ultimately, while this encounter with your ex’s new partner poses a challenge, approach it with an open mind and a hearty dose of humor. Who knows? You might just stumble upon a potential friend or, at the very least, gather another uproarious tale to regale your buddies with!