It’s happened to every single one of us at one point or another.  That awkward moment when you’re simply minding your own business, walking down the street, and then standing right there in front of you is your ex.  He’s that person who you used to share your most private secrets with; that person who you thought was once your best friend; that person who you used to share jokes with and laugh at everything with; that person who was, well, “your person”.

You haven’t talked to him in ages.  The last time you saw him (or spoke to him for that matter) was during the actual break-up itself.  There’s so much that you want to say to him but you’ve never had to the opportunity to do so…until now.  You’ve always pictured this moment in your head.  And now that this moment is finally here, staring you in the face, what do you do?

A lot of dating advice experts would advise you to be kind in these situations, not to bring up old issues, to keep your conversation short and sweet, and not to cry.  But my readers already know all of these things.  What Dean’s readers want to know is what are the necessary steps that a girl needs to take in order to survive an awkward encounter with her ex?

What do you wear?  What do you say?  How do you properly prepare yourself for this moment?  Well keep reading because Dean has all of the answers.

Like the Way You Look

The best way that you can prepare yourself for running into an ex-boyfriend is to live each and every day as if it’s the actual day that you are going to bump into your ex.  If you do this, you’ll never be caught off-guard when that moment finally does arrive.  First, it’s important to get your haircut every 6-8 weeks.  This not only helps to eliminate split ends but it also ensures that your hair will be looking especially good for when that unexpected moment with your ex occurs.  Next, update your makeup palette every four months.  You want your face to be looking fresh and flawless when this awkward encounter takes place.  And lastly, be sure to wear a dress that properly shows off your cute little calves and ankles.

As a dating advice expert, I’m sure that you can imagine how many times I hear from readers who have written-in to tell me that they have been unprepared when they’ve run into their ex.  Don’t let yourself fall into this trap.  Look your best at all times.

Boys are Dumb

Keep in mind that boys don’t ever think about the possibility of running into an ex like us girls do.  Rest assured, you can pretty much count on them not having their hair styled before they see you.  I mean the one complaint that us girls always have about our boyfriends when we’re with them is that they are not capable of planning anything.  So do you really think that they are going to be prepared when they unexpectedly see you for the first time?  No!  Of course not.  Boys are dumb.

Recently, I ran into an ex while he was dressed head-to-toe in royal-blue spandex.  He was also sporting a helmet on his head.  Attractive?  I think not.  Mind you he was on a bike, but still.  He clearly wasn’t prepared to see me.  While he was draped in spandex, I was dressed in an adorable above-the-knee dress, with my hair newly styled, and my make-up flawlessly applied.  Dean looked good.  Dean was prepared.

Blue Spandex vs. The Cute Dress.  Who won in this situation?  Dean.  Dean won because Dean looked good when she walked out the door that morning.  I mean we all know that spandex in no situation is ever considered to be attractive….unless maybe you are a man who owns a front load washer and dryer, speaks with a lisp, and doesn’t believe in breaking up with girls on their birthdays.  Then maybe spandex could be considered attractive.  But only then.

Have Something to Say

Just as important as it is to look good, it’s equally as important to have something in your back pocket to say when that awkward moment with your ex arises.  Some good examples are,

1. I have to run.  My hot boyfriend made me breakfast at his place and he’s waiting for me to come over.  (Note: You can also use the words “dinner” or “lunch” in this example.  Use your discretion here.)
2. I curse the day you were born!  (We learned this great quote from Charlotte in Sex and the City.)
3. My new boyfriend is great.  He doesn’t wear spandex.  (Note: this line only applies if your ex is standing in front of you sporting a pair of spandex.  Otherwise this comment would be weird.)
4. It’s been great not seeing you!  (Short.  Simple.  And to the point.)
5. I am pregnant with your child.  I think we should talk over a cup on non-caffeinated coffee.  (Note: This statement is only good if you are trying to get back together with your ex.  DO NOT use this statement under any other circumstance.)

So, next time you walk out your door, be prepared.  You never know who’s going to be standing there in front of you.  Look your best at all times and always know what you’re going to say.  You might not have been able to handle your relationship with your ex.  But with Dean’s advice, you can most certainly handle an awkward encounter with him.