Close Encounters of the Digital Kind

So, you just joined a dating site, and while browsing, you discover your ex is looking for love as well. Before these sites we only had to worry about running into our ex with their new lover, now we face the drama of seeing them go on a quest for their next "victim". Because dating websites like Plenty of Fish, Zoosk, and Match.com are becoming so popular the odds of running into an ex or two is becoming more likely. The question is, how do you deal?


Scenario #1 Your Ex of 3 Years Encouter

This person has the most history with you and still holds a place in your heart. Since you were together for a long period of time, coping hasn't been the easiest for you. However, you feel good to be taking the first step and moving on with your life. That's when it happens. After a moment or two of browsing, you run into the last person you want to see on dating site. Although he has just as much of a right as you do to have an account it's still unsettling to virtually watch them look for another person to be with.

Scenario #2 The "It's Not You It's Me" Ex Encounter.

So he dug deep into his inner chick flick side, and scrambled up some cheesy monologue of how you deserve so much better and that he couldn't possibly give you the attention that you deserve. And like a mosquito to a bug zapper you fell right into his trap. Now you have to face the truth that he was too much of a coward to reveal how he really felt about you.

Scenario #3 A Former Online Fling

This would be the most common encounter because this is where you met them in the first place. And like you if you found someone once why not try again from the same source. The only time this can be awkward is if you took a short break from dating sites, possibly because you were involved with someone or just needed a break to focus on yourself. Now you find yourself making the "walk of shame" because you're coming back to a place you thought you no longer needed. Once you see some of the same people you have interacted with in the past, you may start to feel just as pathetic as you think they are for still searching.

Scenario #4 He Contacts You

You go about your day to receive a notification that you have a new email from a JD251. Curious and excited you grab your phone to see who it is. Unfortunately you discover your ex is the one sending you an email, that most likely has a sarcastic comment of why you are on here.

How To Deal

By any means DON'T email them angry. If anything it would be best to not email them at all. Most dating sites let you know who's viewed your profile. By not emailing him shows yes I viewed your profile, but I didn't care enough to say anything to you. If he's the one who has viewed or emailed you shows just like you he's curious of your intentions on this site. If you can, block yourself from this person don't let there presence ruin your experience. Nobody wants to see their ex happy and moving on with their life in most cases it can be hard to see them with someone else, and we wish they could be single forever, but one has to face the reality that like you, they need to move on too.