Your ex might be the last person you want to encounter after your breakup. Even if it's been a while, you worry that the reunion might stir up memories from that time. Unfortunately, the world can be small at times. There's always a chance you might bump into your ex anytime, anywhere, even when it seems like you've both moved far apart.

Prepare yourself for this unexpected encounter starting now. Avoid uncontrolled behavior that might make you look silly. If needed, keep this article handy so you'll remember how to handle a chance meeting with someone who once filled your days.

Tips When Meeting Your Ex

1. Stay calm and don't turn back

Seeing them from a distance might make you feel nervous. Your heart races faster, and as you get closer, the panic might intensify. Use this time to calm yourself down.

Take a few deep breaths and exhale strongly a couple of times. Remember that your relationship with them is now in the past. Redirect your focus to the present situation, so you're not too affected by what happened between you. Even if your legs want to bolt, it's best not to suddenly turn back to avoid them.

Especially if they've already seen you, suddenly stopping and turning back will make it obvious that you're trying to avoid them, suggesting there might still be unresolved issues. If they haven't seen you, your sudden movement might draw their attention.

2. Greet them first

You're already close by. Would you and your ex just stay silent? Even if it feels uncomfortable, you might feel more at ease after being the first to greet them. Your brief greeting indicates that you've moved on from your past relationship.

Your effort to greet them will also help them relax if they're more nervous than you are. Even if their response is lukewarm or they ignore your greeting, at least you've done your part. Now you can act more nonchalant, considering their response.

Usually, your ex might feel inclined to engage in small talk. This might be your first meeting and conversation after the breakup. If you can now exchange greetings, the next time you meet, it will surely be more relaxed.

3. Have a brief chat

If your ex responds positively to your greeting, don't rush to leave. Have a brief chat like old friends who haven't seen each other for a while. Don't worry about what to talk about without reopening old wounds.

As long as you avoid topics related to your past relationship, anything else is fair game. You can ask about how they're doing, where they're working now, or where your mutual friends are. If the conversation flows well, you can even discuss future plans.

For instance, if you're still both in college, ask if they're planning to apply for a job after graduation. All conversation topics are safe as long as you set boundaries to avoid asking about their current relationship. Unless they ask you first, then you can ask in return.

4. If they don't notice, you can pretend not to see them

For example, you only see their figure from behind or from a distance, and they're preoccupied with something. If you're not ready to greet them or it might not be appropriate considering your past serious issues, it's okay to quietly leave the place. At least pretend not to notice their presence.

If you can't leave because you have something to do there, be careful not to reveal your attempt to ignore them too easily. Avoid glancing at them or being too nervous, which might lead you to bump into something or someone, catching their attention. Utilize the moment when they're not paying attention to their surroundings to protect your heart that's not ready to interact with them again.

There's no need to force yourself to pretend to be strong by approaching them. Just wait to see if they'll notice you and say hello first, both pretend not to see each other, or if they finally realize you're there but don't acknowledge it. You surely have strong reasons why you both still find it difficult to act like ordinary friends, and let time heal each of your wounds.

5. Introduce yourself as a friend to their partner

What if you meet not alone? They're with their new partner, but you're really close and can see each other. Remember points 1 to 3, and pay attention to how you introduce yourself to their partner.

Someone who doesn't know about your past relationship and is meeting you for the first time would be curious about you. Briefly explain that you're an old friend, like a college buddy if you both attended the same university in the past. Don't let yourself appear confused when answering simple questions about your identity and relationship with your ex.

Your ex would also prefer your vague answer rather than you being too honest and saying that you used to date. It's up to your ex to tell the truth to their partner later. What's important is that you don't seem like you're deliberately trying to make them jealous.

You can do the same when you're with your partner. Introduce your ex as your friend. After you're both alone, you can choose not to discuss it further or use it as a good opportunity to tell about your past if they're not too easily jealous.

6. Still say 'see you later' before parting

Even though you'd prefer not to meet your ex again, maintain your etiquette by saying so. It's a good way to end the encounter. Don't worry that your ex might think you're expecting more than just a casual reunion.

Say it lightly, like while you're packing up your things or walking away, waving your hand. Don't say 'see you later' with too much emotion, especially while looking into their eyes, as they might think you still have feelings for them and want to get back together.

'See you later' also signifies that you're ready to start a new chapter in your relationship. After transitioning from being a couple to being exes and after the breakup has been for a while, you're okay with being friends now. These three words also indicate the hope for both of you to live long and healthy lives so you can meet again someday.

No matter how hard you try to avoid your ex, you might still encounter them at some point. Playing cat and mouse is futile. It's better to face the meeting with a calm attitude, no need to be nervous, and without bringing your past feelings along.