Is your girlfriend’s friendship with her ex creating tension in your relationship?

Is your girlfriend’s friendship with her ex creating tension in your relationship?

When you voice your concerns over the closeness of their friendship, your partner insists there is nothing to worry about. And you know that, deep down. The reality is they were in a significant relationship for several years, and for whatever reason, they decided to go their separate ways.

Even with all the reassurance from your honey, you can’t shake off those bouts of jealousy, niggling mistrust, doubt and anxiety about the whole situation. You want to co-exist with your partner’s ex peacefully, but you’re not sure how to deal with all these thoughts and feelings going on within you.

Rest assured. It is possible to have a good relationship with your girlfriend’s ex. Here’s how.

Let’s begin with you.

1. Turn your thinking around.

This isn’t your partner’s ex. This is a friend of your partner’s, just like the other 5, 6, 7 people that come out socialising with you. Thinking of them in this way will strip away the emotional charge out of the situation.

2. What is it about your partner’s ex that unsettles you?

Raise your awareness by journaling about it. Get it out onto paper. Don’t repress your emotions. Never hide your feelings. Let it flow out of you. When you have exhausted your thoughts, take a breather. Then ask yourself what is going on here. Is it about your partner’s ex? Is it about your partner? Or is this about you?

When you dig deeper under the surface, you will realise something is triggered about yourself. That is the real issue here.

3.  Work through it.

Once you have uncovered what this is all about, work through it, either with a professional, alone or with your partner.

Communication is fundamental to a robust and authentic relationship. Talk to your partner about any concerns you have. Be honest and accurate with each other. Please share what you uncovered in your journaling and encourage your partner to express their feelings and thoughts on the situation.

4. Leave the past in the past.

Remember, lots of water has flowed under the bridge since your partner was with her ex. They are not the same people anymore, and they have chosen to move forward separately. You are the one your partner has chosen to be with. Hold THAT thought, not thoughts of the past. Live for this moment.

Now, let’s talk about socialising with your girlfriend’s ex.

Find out all the details for the event: who will be there, where you are going, and the plan. This will put your mind at rest, so you know what to expect.

Ask your partner questions about her friends beforehand (remember this is a gathering of friends). Look for things you can talk to them about—hobbies, work, interests. The more information you gather, the easier it will be to strike up a conversation.

Stay focused on what is going on in the moment. When your mind wanders, pull yourself back into the conversation. Stay as absolutely present as you can.

Remember to trust your instincts, not your insecurities. Your mind can quickly take over, creating a story out of nothing. These stories result from your insecurities; they are not genuine or authentic.

Controversial, I know, but there is no need to work on the relationship with your girlfriend’s ex.

Bring your focus back to you and this moment. Find out what is being triggered in you and work through it.

The rest will fall into place.