Acceptable Ex Interactions 101.

Most relationships end with the feeling that you'd be better off never seeing the ex in question again. However, there are those rare instances when you don't think of your ex as a selfish, black-hearted bitch and you both decide to try to keep in touch. You might think this is mature, but it will definitely be regarded as "keeping an option on the back burner" by your new girlfriend. Here are some guidelines to help you discern whether your current lady is being unreasonable herself or just a woman with some valid points.

Communication with the ex

Acceptable:

It’s the age of technology. No more etching messages into stone -- we have texts and e-mail. This allows for perfectly impersonal contact with people you're not going to see or talk to every day, i.e., your ex-girlfriend. Despite what your current girlfriend might say, emailing an ex once in a while is totally acceptable, as is the occasional chat on AIM. As far as subject matters go, brief chats about the current state of your lives and other trivial, current events-oriented matters are totally reasonable.

Unacceptable:

It's safe to say that if you find yourself chatting your ex up for hours, multiple times a week, you're heading straight into the danger zone. Furthermore, if the discussions start to veer off into advice/criticisms about your current relationship, danger WiIl Robinson! Get your emotional counseling from Dr. Phil, not your ex. We hope it goes without saying that reminiscing about that special night the two of you shared in the hot tub in Cabo is off-limits too. Keep it G-rated, guys.

Run-ins with the ex

Acceptable:

There's rarely a more awkward moment you will experience than the unexpected run-in with your ex -- while you're with your new girlfriend. Yes, it’s kind of enjoyable when the two lovely ladies you've bedded size each other up like contestants on American Gladiator, but you don't want anyone to feel uncomfortable. A brief conversation is safe ground -- but make a point to introduce your girlfriend to your ex at the start. Try not to call her your "new” girlfriend -- just plain old girlfriend will do. Better still, just introduce her by name and let your ex do the math herself. All the ladies involved are fully aware of their place in the relationship time line of your life.

Unacceptable:

Greeting with a hug and kiss is not an acceptable ex interaction. We understand that some girls are into that, but don't be the one to initiate it. If your ex does, go with it but keep it formal. Most important -- don't let inside jokes and references that your current girlfriend won't understand weasel their way into this convo. Let's keep the playing ground even so everyone can play.

Gifts from the ex

Acceptable:

Any relationship that strides past the 6-month mark is likely to rack up a certain amount of gifted paraphernalia. Practical, utilitarian gifts like fancy razors and bar sets or killer gadgets like that flat-screen TV you’d rather go celibate for than part with are totally acceptable keepsakes.

Unacceptable:

Any sentimental gifts from the ex that make you get a bit misty eyed, like old photos or that weird hat she crocheted for you, should go straight into the garbage (or at least hidden away in an old shoebox in the depths of your closet -- women keep stuff in places like that all the time).

References to the ex

Acceptable:

There’s no denying that exes creep their way into conversations with our current partners from time to time, but it’s best to try to keep it to a minimum. Feel free to bring up past ex experiences within the context of broader ex discussions with your new lady -- just try to keep it general.

Unacceptable:

Any. Other. Situation. No girl wants to hear random musings about your ex-girlfriend -- good or bad. If you bitch about your ex, your new girl will think you’re rebounding. Any sentence starting with, “This one time with [insert ex’s name here]…” said with a glimmer of nostalgia in your voice will prove to your current gal that you’re not over your former one. Take those strolls down memory lane by yourself.

Ex interactions: a delicate art

The bottom line is you'll know if you’re breaking from the guidelines of appropriate ex interactions -- all you really have to do is think about how pissed you'd be in a given situation if the tables were turned and this were your girl and her ex. Your current girlfriend should be more of a priority than keeping in contact with your ex but at the same time, she should respect your reasons for wanting to keep your ex in your life in some capacity and trust you that it's entirely platonic. Give her a chance to get accustomed to the idea -- if she's still bitching after this grace period, consider if this is the girl you really want to be with. If not, you might still have an ex ready and waiting for a round two. Kidding! (Kind of...)

Acceptable Ex Interactions 101.