Advertisement
My friends Bob and Nancy have been together since they were old enough to crawl and share pacifiers. After three kids and 35+ years of marriage, they’re still stuck on each other. Such longevity is enviable-and rare. Most of us have an ex or two lurking in the shadows. And while I prefer that the past stay right where it is, that’s not always possible, especially when there are blended families. When everyone gets along, it’s a beautiful thing. Unfortunately, that too is a rare thing.
The ex factor is exponentially complicated. To demonstrate:
Mark and Sharon arrive at a wedding to discover that Sharon’s ex-husband Joe and Mark’s ex-wife Carol are there with their respective spouses. Through some colossal blunder, all six of them are seated at the same table. Let’s take a look at some common mistakes partners make in these situations:
The Memory Lane Blunder. Mark and Carol split on good terms and, as old friends are inclined to do, begin a stroll down memory lane-whatever happened to . . . remember that trip we took to the Grand Canyon . . . did you ever get that hernia repaired . . . and so on. Both Sharon and Carol’s new husband are left out of the conversation. Not good.
The It’s Okay With Me Blunder. When Sharon attempts to redirect the conversation so she and Carol’s husband can participate, Carol responds with a terse comment, then asks Mark about an old friend. Mark cheerfully answers, continuing down memory lane and the path to Sharon’s how-dare-you-let-her-treat-me-that-way wrath. Really not good.
The New Best Friend Blunder. Sharon’s relationship with Joe ended bitterly. Sharon ignores Joe but engages in conversation with his wife who acts as though Sharon is her new best friend, going so far as to suggest they get together for coffee. Joe is fuming at what he perceives as his wife’s disloyalty.
The Inside Joke Blunder. Joe, angry at being ignored, interrupts Carol to ask Mark if Sharon still sleeps in beat up old T-shirts and has learned to cook. Mark replies honestly about the T-shirts and makes a joke about Sharon’s cooking. Everyone, except Sharon, laughs. Mark is headed for death row.
The It Wasn’t My Idea Blunder. Sharon, feeling ignored and hurt by Mark, is furious with Joe and shouts, “Why are you being such a bastard? It’s not as though I left you. You’re the one who wanted a divorce!” Table talk becomes an awkward silence.
Remember:
When dealing with your sweetheart’s ex, take your cue from your sweetheart. If your sweetheart’s relationship ended cordially, be cordial. If it ended bitterly, be polite but keep your distance.
When dealing with your ex, take your cue from how your ex treats your sweetheart. If your ex is friendly to your sweetheart, be friendly. If your ex is rude, be polite but keep your distance.
It pays to remember that your sweetheart is your today and, hopefully, your tomorrow. Keep your foot, your thoughts, and above all your attention out of the past and on your sweetheart.
Shela Dean is Relationship Happiness Coach, speaker, and author of Frequent Foreplay Miles – Your Ticket to Total Intimacy. Her book and advice have helped many couples in their journey towards improving intimacy and strengthening marital bonds.
Related Videos :
- Relationship Advice How to Be Charming
Being charming is a matter of attitude, smiling and being open with body language. Become a more charming man with tips for the dating scene from theauthor of several dating books in this free video on relationship advice. Expert: Dr. Paul Vehorn Contact: www.AskDoctorPaul.com Bio: Dr. Paul Vehorn has a Ph.D and did graduate work in behavior psychology. Vehorn wrote “Dynamic Dating” and “Boomer Girls, a Woman' s
« view video » - Mia s Own Song
Mia' s Own Song!! My site miaroseworld.com My Twitter http My Myspace www.myspace.com My Facebook www.facebook.com My Kyte www.kyte.tv Professional/Media Contact: infomiarose@gmail.com Write to Mia! mailmiarose@gmail.com Finally, this is Me singing my OWN song! I was scared of the copyright infrigements!! but who cares!! this is dedicated to all you people who have been so so sweet to me!! thank you soo much! the song' s called “Husband to Be!” hope
« view video » - The Vendor Client relationship in real world situations
www.vendorclientvideo.com Produced by Scofield Editorial, Inc. Casting Agency Artistic Enterprises Casting Director: Michelle Moore Video Store Customer: David Meek Video Store Clerk: Nick Krcek Restaurant Customer (Male): Andy Guerdan Restaurant Customer (Female): Andrea Gregory Server: Landon Mitchell Chef: Ron Pinkney Hair Stylist: Chris Cones Salon Patron: Anna Martinez Additional Crew: Lighting Director: Luke Amos Camera Assist/Best Boy/Boom Op: Benjamin Dewhurst Location Audio/Mix: Ben… From: zeorge497 Views:
« view video » - John Gottman The Magic Relationship Ratio
Buy this DVD at: www.betterlifemedia.com Dr. John Gottman has revolutionized the study of marriage. He uses rigorous scientific procedures to observe the habits of married couples in detail over many years for unprecedented insight into the inner workings of successful relationships. Here is the culmination of this life' s work: the seven principles that guide couples on the path toward a harmonious and long-lasting relationship. Learn how to build a positive
« view video »
