Boards
In case you missed it, Taylor Swift was honored with the Ripple of Hope Award at the Robert F. Kennedy Center For Justice & Human Rights gala on Monday night. The award honors those who are committed to social change (which is awesome) but getting the award also presented Taylor with a sort of awkward social situation . . . one that she couldn’t change!
Remember how Taylor and Conor Kennedy broke up a couple months back? Well it was actually Conor’s dad, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who presented Taylor with this award. We know that Taylor is a classy girl and that this award goes way beyond who’s dating who–but we still imagine it could have been a teensy bit awkward for her to be up there with her ex-boyfriend’s dad. Right?
It’s usually inevitable that after a breakup you’re going to have to see your ex or their family once in a while–but you don’t have to let that awkward moment spoil your day. Just like her, there’s more to you than your past relationships, so sail on through that awkward moment and get back to living your awesome life.
Here’s how to minimize awkwardness (and drama!) with your ex. You can thank us later!
You Run Into His Family
If you live in the same town, there's a good chance you'll run into your ex's family. Handle these moments with the same poise as Taylor did up on stage. You have no idea what version of the break-up story they heard, so don’t bring the conversation back to your ex. Ask his mom about her gardening or his dad about baseball. It’ll show that you still valued getting to know them and that you don’t hold whatever happened between you and their son against them. Source: Andres Otero/WENN.comYou See Him With A New Girl
If you guys start chatting, be sure to acknowledge the new girl with a friendly “Hello" and your name. It would be weird if you only direct any conversation at your ex like she is invisible. Just be polite and genuine - no over-the-top fake compliments that will make her insecure. Also, don’t bring up your past relationship. That’s your guy’s decision as to when to discuss his past romantic life with his new girl. Source: Shutterstock.comHe Sees You With A New Guy
Labels can be kind of tricky with these introductions because you don’t want to rub your new guy in your ex’s face, but you don’t make your new guy feel like he’s in the middle of something unfinished. I would just introduce them to each other by name, and you can further explain whatever labels like "ex" or "new boyfriend" if you choose to in private. Source: Shutterstock.comYou See Him Hanging Out With Your Friends
Don't let this blow up into a "taking sides" thing – you and your ex can still have mutual friends. Just give a quick "Hey guys!" and go about your way. Don't lurk around waiting for them to include you because that could really multiply the awkward. If the run-in is really bothering you, talk to one of the friends about it at a later time when you’re out of the moment. It’s okay to express if you feel a little hurt, but remember that you can't dictate their friendships. Source: Shutterstock.comYou Need To Give Him Back His Stuff
I think keeping gifts is totally allowed, but if he left his Xbox at your house before you broke up, it’s common courtesy to return it. If you really don't want to have to meet face-to-face, at least give him a heads up you want to return his stuff or tack a small, polite note with it. Just the idea of him just coming back to a beaten up cardboard box of stuff dumped on his doorstep doesn't really showcase maturity. Source: Shutterstock.comYou Get Assigned As Project Partners
When your grades are at stake, you've got to stay focused on the job. If the idea of meeting one-on-one makes you stressed, just meet in a public place like the library to be sure you stick to business. Blake Lively is a married lady now, but she kept working on Gossip Girl even after breaking up with co-star Penn Badgley. The show may be dramatic, but if they’d brought a bunch of break-up drama to set, that wouldn’t have been good. Source: Stefan Jeremiah/WENN.comHe Sees You Looking Awful
This can be a total confident zap. By trying to make excuses, it will seem like you’re desperate for his approval, which you don't need because you're awesome all on your own! It might be tough in the moment, but just channel your inner goddess. We've been there and we know you will get through it. Source: Shutterstock.comHe Keeps Flirting With You
It can be awkward when an ex starts flirting with you and you have no intention of reciprocating. If you feel uncomfortable, let him know ASAP. Be polite, but direct with him about your feelings. Explain to him how you think this break-up was for the best. If he’s still trying to put moves on you, go find a group of friends to stick tight with until he gets the hint to leave you alone. Source: Shutterstock.comYou Had Big Plans In Advance
Deal with these head on. If your break-up ended with you deciding to try and stay friends, maybe he's still planning on the two of you going to prom. Though it may be awkward right after a break-up, it'll be worse if it's unresolved by the big day. Especially if the plans involved something like expensive concert tickets or a family event, get yourselves both on the same page in order to move forward. Source: Shutterstock.comHave you ever had an awkward moment with an ex-boyfriend? How did you handle it? Have any more advice about how to handle awkward moments like this? Let us know in the comments!
Is Taylor Swift Dating Harry Styles Of One Direction?
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter
Can You Trust Him?