Is your ex rubbing their new relationship in your face?
I’m sure you know that they’re probably trying to make you jealous and want to get a reaction out of you.
So that’s exactly what you’re not going to do – no matter how difficult it is not to say something!
In fact, if you want to come off as the bigger person and not let it affect you, here are 10 things I recommend doing:
Ex Rubbing New Relationship in My Face! (10 Things You Should Do)
1. Put Some Distance Between the Two of You
If your ex is flaunting their new relationship in your face, the most obvious thing to try and do is not bump into them as often.
It’s a case of ‘out of sight, out of mind’ – although it’s a lot easier said than done if they’re trying to show off in front of you.
It depends on your own situation and how your ex is finding you and it might become a bit of cat and mouse, but make the effort to go in the opposite direction!
Related – 10 Signs your ex really does love his new partner.
2. Ask Yourself Why It Bothers You
I know it’s annoying to have someone – especially an ex – deliberately flaunting their new relationship in front of you, but it’s worth asking yourself why it’s annoying you.
Is it because you miss them?
Are you worried that you’ll never find anyone again?
Are you bitter about what happened and resent seeing them happy?
Whatever it is, if you’re feeling negative emotions about the relationship you need to come to terms with that before you can move on.
3. Block or Unfriend Them on Social Media
One of the best things you can do if your ex is flaunting their new relationship in your face is to block or unfriend them on social media.
Even if it’s not social media they’re using to get to you, it sends them a message that you don’t want to be in contact with them.
It might also make it more difficult for them to know where you’re going to be so they can’t turn up where you are as easily.
4. Don’t Respond or Say Anything About Their New Relationship to Them
When someone is obviously flaunting something in your face, they want to get a reaction out of you – so the best thing you can do is not react.
In fact, if you can act like you don’t even notice your ex is there, or that they’re showing off with their new partner that’s even better.
It’s like any kind of attention seeking, if you ignore them they’re going to end up frustrated and will (hopefully) stop doing it as much.
5. Don’t Gossip About Them to Other People
If you’re feeling tempted to talk to other friends about what your ex is doing, again, I’d avoid giving them any extra attention.
It’s only going to make you look bitter, like you care what they’re doing, and you might come across like it’s you that hasn’t moved on.
If your friends do bring it up, just say that you’re happy for them and change the subject!
6. Talk About How You Feel with Trusted Friends
If you’re struggling to deal with your ex flaunting their new relationship in your face, it’s important to talk about how you’re feeling with someone else.
A trusted friend or family member can help you to see the situation more clearly and offer some impartial advice.
It’s also a good way to offload any negative feelings you have so they’re not affecting you as much – talking about things is always good.
7. Understand that Their Behavior Shows They’re Insecure
One of the things that’s important to remember is that people who flaunt their new relationships are usually doing it because they’re insecure.
They need to show everyone that they’re happy and that they’ve moved on, when really they might not be as happy as they seem.
It’s a way of proving something to themselves as well as to you, so try and remember that when it’s happening.
I wouldn’t take it personally. I’d see it more like your ex is attempting to make themselves feel better.
8. Work on Your Self-Esteem
If you’re finding it hard to deal with your ex flaunting their new relationship in your face, it might be a sign that you need to work on your self-esteem.
Spending time with friends and family, doing things you enjoy, and reminding yourself of your own worth can all help to boost your self-esteem.
And the more confident you feel and happier you are within yourself, the less their behavior is going to bother you.
9. Build the Future You Want for Yourself
Regardless of how your ex is behaving, one of the best things you can do is to focus on building the future you want for yourself.
Set some goals, make plans, and start working towards them.
It’s important to remember that you’re in control of your own life and you can make it whatever you want it to be – even if your ex is trying to make it difficult!
By going back and forward with them you’re just going to get stuck in the past, it’s time to ignore them and their immature games and move on.
10. Forgive Them – Or At Least Don’t Hold a Grudge
This is one of the most important tips on this list, and it’s something that will benefit you more than anything else.
Forgiving your ex for what they’re doing (or at least not holding a grudge against them) will help you to move on and it will also make you feel better.
Much like what I said about holding on to negative emotions, feeling bitter, angry, or holding a grudge against them will only hold you back.
It’s time to let go, forgive them, and move forward with your life.
Image credits – Photo by Lindsey Weber on Unsplash
Phil lives in England, UK, and has around 20 years experience as a professional life, career and executive coach. He started this blog to help others find and define their own self development journey. Blogging about a wide range of topics to help facilitate a better future.