The whole incident got me thinking about the different interactions I've had with my exes when I've run into them in public. In a perfect world, you're both cool with one another and manage to smoothly ease your way into the friend zone. But that rarely happens. So I've compiled a list of tactics that your ex may or may not use in response to that awkward run in.
The Tactics:
1. The "try to make you jealous" tactic. He's over you, happy, and he'll be damned if you don't see him chatting with every other girl at the bar. The only problem is that men have a tendency to be terrible at bullshitting. He's clearly trying too hard to prove that he's moved on, and ironically, is doing the exact opposite. Best strategy? Ignore him until he's trying so hard to be a ruthless womanizer that he makes a complete jackass of himself. Then you can laugh.
2. The Nostalgia Maneuver. Remember the time that you two sat under the stars and held each other close because you were so in love? He does. Remember the time the two of you boned on top of the washing machine? He definitely does. And he's going to take it upon himself to remind you of all the good times you had together in hopes that he can nostalgia his way into getting you to want him back. Best strategy: Vodka.
3. The ignoring tactic. He'd rather create a completely awkward atmosphere than have to face you. Sure, it's better than tactics one and two, but he's making himself look like a total d-bag. He could at least make some small talk to keep the awkk level down. Best strategy? Pretend he doesn't exist. But speaking of d-bags, there is also....
4. The asshat tactic. Maybe you rejected him. Maybe he was just a douche to begin with. But he's going to do everything he can to damage your self esteem. It's going to be a long night of passive aggressive comments and "jokes" about your intelligence and appearance. Best strategy: Save yourself an eating disorder and just don't talk to this guy.
5. The "getting shitfaced" maneuver. This is the easiest for you to deal with, it just sucks for his friends who are going to have to take care of him. Getting shitfaced can be combined with any other maneuver on this list, but fortunately, you won't be able to understand a word he's saying. Best strategy: You don't need one. This kid is a walking shit show.
Classic #5.