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Should You Be Friendly with His Ex?

By Cosmopolitan.com | Love + Sex – Wed, Mar 21, 2012 4:52 PM EDT

Would you talk to his ex?Jessica Biel just announced that she’ll be starring in the upcoming film, Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho, alongside Scarlett Johansson…who reportedly once dated Jessica’s now-fiance, Justin Timberlake.

By Korin Miller

Yeah, rubbing elbows with your man’s ex can be awkward, but it doesn’t have to be, says couples therapist Bethany Marshall, PhD, author of Deal Breakers.

Related: How To Move on From A Breakup

Facing a similar situation? Marshall recommends being friendly to your guy’s ex, and calling out the elephant in the room in a joking way, like, “I heard we have at least one thing in common.” An added perk of taking that approach: It shows you’re confident (naturally) and not threatened by her past relationship with your guy.

Related: How To Break A Toxic Love Pattern

If you’re going to be seeing your guy’s ex a lot-maybe you’re working together like Scarlett and Jessica, or she just befriended some of your friends-Marshall stresses that it’s important to try to see her as someone who is similar to you verses a possible rival for your man’s attention to stop any possible drama before it can start.

Related: How To Finally Get Over Him

That said, you don’t have to be besties. And, if she’s not receptive to your friendliness, at least you gave her a chance.

Have you ever been friendly with your guy’s ex?

Original Story