How to Drama-Proof Your New Relationship


How to Drama-Proof Your New Relationship

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Keep your past relationship in the past, where it belongs

Don’t let the baggage from your past relationship ruin your new one. These tips will keep the drama at bay.

  1. Try not to mention your ex too often, especially at the beginning of a new relationship. I was dating someone who said he felt like my ex-husband’s ghost was constantly present. The relationship didn’t last long because he didn’t believe I was ready for something new.
  2. Don’t compare your new partner to your old one. Just because your ex was a gourmet chef, doesn’t mean that your new honey, who can only heat up a frozen dinner, is not amazing.
  3. Don’t let the harm that was caused in your previous relationship make you think that history will repeat itself; for example, don’t assume your current partner is cheating on you just because your ex was a philanderer.
  4. Ease your new partner into the family. Don’t rush parental responsibilities or closeness. Give your new partner and kids plenty of time and space to get to know one another.
  5. Set aside designated time to talk about necessary issues, such as custody or child support, but don’t let issues with an ex dominate your conversations.
  6. Don’t turn your partner into your therapist.

Annette Powers is a Solo Mom who lives in Brooklyn, New York. A communications professional, she writes about divorce, coparenting, and culture in her spare time.

Ashley Volz-Reiss spent several years as a Solo Mom. She has gone on to earn her master’s degree in social work and is now a therapist helping children and families. She’s remarried and keeps busy raising her spirited six-year-old son.

Please feel free to contact us with any comments or questions.


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