Running into an ex-partner in an unavoidable situation can pose challenges, but it is crucial to approach the situation with maturity and follow some professional advice.
Consider the scenario of finding yourself in the same vehicle as your former partner, years after a tumultuous breakup that lasted for seven long years. The conclusion of your relationship was undoubtedly bitter. However, both of you have managed to move forward in life and are now contentedly married to your respective spouses. Nevertheless, fate intervenes eight years later, and you unexpectedly encounter your ex in an inescapable circumstance, where you are compelled to share a buggy ride together.
On January 22, Katrina Kaif found herself in a challenging situation as she joined numerous Bollywood stars to witness the grand Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Despite her past breakup with Ranbir Kapoor eight years ago, she was captured sharing a buggy with him in the holy city of Ayodhya. Notably, her husband, actor Vicky Kaushal, and Ranbir’s wife, Alia Bhatt, were also present at the event.
Despite the uncomfortable buggy ride, the entire event required the former lovers to be in close proximity. Despite the passage of time, Katrina found the reunion to be somewhat uneasy. It was no surprise that her body language revealed a hint of discomfort, which she attempted to hide behind her radiant six-yard saree and charming smile. As numerous photos of Ranbir and Katrina together surfaced online, many social media users pointed out the awkwardness of the situation.
Katrina was captured in the visuals, elegantly clutching her pallu while keeping a respectable distance from her former partner. Despite being aware of his presence in the frame, she confidently displayed a courteous smile for the photographs.
Unlike Deepika Padukone, another former partner of Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina has not repaired her relationship with the actor from the film ‘Barfi!’. Ranbir and Deepika have reconciled, collaborated on several films, and have been visibly comfortable in each other’s presence at various events, including intimate parties, star-studded gatherings, and even vacations. Do you remember when Alia-Ranbir and Deepika-Ranveer celebrated New Year together in Ranthambore? Everything seems to be sorted out there.
On the other hand, Ranbir and Katrina’s encounter in Ayodhya hinted at unresolved issues from their bitter past. Although Vicky’s friendship with Ranbir (they worked together in ‘Sanju’ and ‘Bombay Velvet’) seemed to be a saving grace, Katrina’s discomfort suggested that time may not have completely healed their wounds.
So, what should you do when you find yourself face-to-face with an unpleasant ex in an unavoidable situation? Fortunately, experts have a solution to handle such an unwanted encounter without causing a scene. This is applicable even if you don’t work in the film industry, where the ability to pretend is sometimes more important than delivering dialogues effectively.
Dr Shailesh Jha, a consultant psychiatrist at Indraprastha Apollo Saarthak Mental Health Services, advises individuals to maintain control over their emotions and avoid displaying visible reactions in challenging situations. He suggests taking deep breaths to regain composure before proceeding, emphasizing that any unnecessary drama could exacerbate the situation. Ishmat Mahmood, a counseling psychologist from the online mental health platform Lissun, recommends a breathing technique where individuals inhale to a count of three, hold their breath for three counts, and exhale slowly to three counts. During this process, it is beneficial to relax the muscles in the face, jaw, shoulders, and stomach. However, if one’s calmness is disrupted, Mansi Poddar, a psychotherapist and founder of the Heal. Grow. Thrive Foundation, advises individuals to be kind to themselves if they respond in a way they did not intend to. She acknowledges that encountering someone with whom one has a history can evoke various emotions, making it challenging to maintain composure.
Maintain your composure and exhibit politeness, regardless of any internal frustration you may feel towards that individual.
If you find yourself in a situation where you must communicate, it is important to do so in a polite and respectful manner. While you don’t have to be overly friendly, maintaining a level of respect can help diffuse any tension that may arise, as suggested by Ishmat Mahmood.
To navigate through such situations, it is helpful to focus on yourself and the progress you have made since the split. Remind yourself of your personal growth and the constructive adjustments you have made, as advised by Ishmat Mahmood.
Additionally, it is beneficial to prioritize your current companions, whether they are friends or a new partner. Give them your attention and minimize contact with your ex. By focusing on those who are supporting you now, you can create a positive environment and reduce any potential discomfort, as recommended by Dr. Jha.
If you find that the situation becomes too stressful, it is important to have an exit plan. Prepare beforehand by knowing where you need to go next or who you can join. By having an “out,” you can keep your interactions brief and politely excuse yourself to your next destination, as suggested by Dr. Jha.
Furthermore, it is crucial to avoid getting pulled into arguments or addressing unresolved issues. Politely decline any further discussion if your ex tries to rile you up or bring up past conflicts. Remember that now is not the time or place for such conversations, as you have moved on. Wish them well and disengage from the situation, as advised by Dr. Jha.
Just like Katrina Kaif was able to handle similar situations, you too can navigate through them with grace and composure.