Meeting an ex-partner in a social gathering can be one of the most awkward experiences a person can have, especially when it’s a social gathering with lots of mutual friends, family or colleagues. It’s challenging to describe the tension and discomfort that comes with such weird encounters. It’s especially hard when the breakup was on bad terms, and you’re not sure how your ex feels about you presently.

Personally, meeting my ex in a social gathering last month was one of the most weirdest situations I’ve been in recently. I was not mentally prepared to see my ex again, and it caused me a lot of anxiety and stress. I didn’t know what to say or how to act, and I felt like everyone in the room was judging me, waiting to see how I was going to act or waiting for me to make a mistake.

It didn’t help that there were mutual friends who knew both of us at the gathering. The gathering was an opening ceremony for a colleagues’ workshop. I wasn’t expecting my ex to be present, so you can imagine how shocked I was. It was later that I discovered my ex knows one of my colleague’s family member.

I am not sure how she was feeling during the gathering, but I felt like I was being scrutinized, and I was constantly on edge. I wasn’t having any fun because I was trying hard to be on my best behavior. You know when you are thinking twice before saying or doing something, that was how I was feeling.

To make the situation less awkward, I tried to mentally prepare myself for my encounter with her. I reminded myself that I was in control of my emotions and that I could handle the situation. I prepared myself because I knew the encounter was imminent.

When we finally met, I kept the conversation short and fun, avoiding any mention of past issues. I also made sure that I wasn’t alone with my ex during the encounter. Above all, I tried to be polite and courteous, even though I didn’t feel like it. After she left, I stuck to group settings. Throughout the time of the gathering, I avoided drinking too much, knowing that it could impair my judgment and make things worse or more weird.

Looking back on the experience, I realize that meeting an ex in a social gathering can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be, nor do you have to run away from it. By mentally preparing yourself, keeping the conversation light and short, not talking about past issues, and avoiding being alone with your ex, you can make the situation less uncomfortable. It’s paramount to remember that everyone has been in an uncomfortable situation at some point in life, and it’s not the end of the world. The main key is to stay calm and collected, be yourself, and not let the situation get the best of you.

In the end, it’s important to remember that meeting an ex in a social gathering can be a learning experience. It can help you develop as a person and learn to deal with uncomfortable situations better, because we won’t always be in comfortable situations. So, the next time you find yourself in an awkward situation, remember to take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are in charge.

 Joseph Abdalla