Trying to find ways to deal with your friend dating your ex isn't always easy. It's even worse if you and your ex didn't split on the best of terms. Many think of it as a betrayal. If you don't want to lose your friend, you have to find ways to deal with your friend dating your ex. With a little work, it is possible to remain friends despite the ex being in the picture.
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1. Ask for Respect
One of the most straight forward ways to deal with your friend dating your ex is to simply ask her for respect. She probably already knows all about what went down between you and him. Tell her how you feel and ask her to respect you by not bringing him around you. While she'll still talk about him, it will be much easier on both of you if you don't have to constantly have your ex around.
2. Think about Your Feelings
Before you start yelling at your friend for doing the unthinkable, take a minute to think about your feelings. Why do you not want your friend with your ex? Do you still have feelings for the ex? Are you afraid your ex will hurt your friend? Whatever the problem is, try to sort your feelings out and talk about it calmly with your friend. It will help you both to understand what's really the problem.
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Before you start yelling at your friend for doing the unthinkable, take a minute to think about your feelings. Why do you not want your friend with your ex? Do you still have feelings for the ex? Are you afraid your ex will hurt your friend? Whatever the problem is, try to sort your feelings out and talk about it calmly with your friend. It will help you both to understand what's really the problem. Processing these emotions can sometimes reveal underlying insecurities or unresolved issues. Recognize these feelings and approach the situation with a clear mind.
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3. Remember It Might Not Last
While you probably shouldn't tell your friend this, the relationship may not even last. Maybe your ex just wants to get under your skin by dating your friend. Or maybe your friend only saw his good side while you got to see his bad side. If your ex was a pain, your friend will find out soon enough and the relationship will be over. Think of it as a temporary thing and it'll be easier to deal with.
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No matter how you feel about your ex, it's important to remember that your friend's relationship with them may not last. Your friend may not be aware of the bad side of the relationship, and it's possible that your ex only started dating your friend to get under your skin. It's important to remember that this may be a temporary situation, and to keep your emotions in check. If the relationship does end, it's important to be supportive of your friend and to be there for them as they go through this difficult time.
4. Be Supportive of Your Friend
The last thing you want to do is lose a friend over an ex. Respectfully tell your friend how you feel and then be supportive. She's happy to be in a new relationship. Even though it might be awkward at first, the more supportive you are, the better things will be. At the very least, you still get to keep your friend. Knowing your ex couldn't take her away means a lot.
5. Try to Talk to Your Ex
If you're in a situation where your ex can't be avoided, set aside a time to talk with your ex. Try to work out any issues you might have. The important thing here is the friend who is caught in the middle. Try to work towards a civil relationship between you and your ex. It may take some work, but it will make situations where the three of you are together much less awkward.
6. Spend Time with Other Friends
Now is a great time to lean on some of your other friends. They'll understand why you're not thrilled about the new relationship. Talk to your friend and explain why you won't be around as much. It'll help you maintain the friendship while still keeping your distance. By spending more time with your other friends, you won't feel lonely and you'll have a great support system.
7. Leave the past behind
Remember the old saying about not saying anything if you can't say something nice? The same applies here. When you have to be around your ex, leave the past out of the conversation. Bringing up sore topics isn't going to make the situation better. It may even hurt your friendship. If you can't speak nicely to your ex, avoid talking to him at all or keep answers short and sweet.
8. Know It's Not a Betrayal
Since many do see this as their friend betraying them, it's hard to get past it. Your friend didn't deliberately try to hurt you. She just connected with your ex somehow. Maybe the two of them really did hit it off. It's not fair to her that she's not allowed to date someone she likes just because he's your ex. Let go of the feelings of betrayal and move on.
9. Stay Away
If you honestly can't stand your ex at all and your friend has him around all the time, the best way to deal with it is by staying away. It won't be easy to stay away from your friend, but it's better than constant arguments and awkward situations. Trust me, after the puppy love stage, she'll realize how much she misses you and apologize for putting him first. Give it some time and it will work out.
I was never comfortable with my friends dating my exes. It wasn't always easy to just deal with it, but I realized my friends were worth keeping. Whatever you do, keep your cool and remember your ex isn't worth losing your friend over. How have you dealt with this situation in the past?
Comments
Janelle: Never under ANY circumstances is dating a friends ex ok. No way no how. No.
Karla: Honestlyy. This article is pretty stupid. Cause NO real friend would go &date; someone you were with. This situation happened to me &she; did it months after my breakup. It was harsh but it really proves to you that some "real friends" aint so real when it comes down to a guy you had history with. Its not right in any wayy. For ANYONE to put up with a friend dating one of their exs. If you still have feelings for you ex or not. Its just not right. 😴 #dislike.
Dani: I thought it was girl code to never date your friend's ex. Plus, what friend would want to do things with a guy knowing that he's done the same things with her friend?
AlexChambers: I didn't even read this ridiculous article, I've never been in a relationship but I do know friendships, and a girl is not your friend if she goes and dates your ex. Furthermore, it goes to show that your ex never respected you in the first place if he dates someone "close" to you
Puglife: No. Just no.
Kaitlyn: Date my ex and consider us nothing. Couldn't be friends with someone who did that to me.
Chelsea: Yeah I'm sorry but your friend isn't a true friend if she goes behind your back and fucks your ex? She looks stupid and she will be getting sloppy seconds... Really? Your so called friend can't find another man? LAME!
airy: Michel is all wrong.
Maria: I would never do this to a friend that is like a stab in a back to my friend
Msgrey: Im tired of the whole "girl code" thing, and people should stop being so childish. If a relationship has ended and it has Been for a while, Then why would you Even care... Unless you still have feelings for him? A relationship Ended for a reason... You two werent compatible... Now if your ex and your friend hit it off why would you stand in the way of that? I wouldnt Even bother if a friend of mine did this as long as i am totally over the guy
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