How to Maintain an Appropriate Relationship with an Ex While in a Relationship

In my experience, some people do not know how to maintain appropriate relationships with their ex significant others when they're in relationships. Whether we want to believe it or not, exes are always a touchy subject; whether we want to admit it or not, people tend to be jealous when their significant others are close with their exes - it's natural. Every relationship is different, and this certainly isn't a one-size-fits-all guide, since some people tend to be more jealous than others, but these tips should help minimize jealousy from normal significant others.

1. Do not keep blatant pictures or souvenirs from exes on display where your significant other is going to constantly see them. They're okay to have, but chances are, your SO does not want to constantly be bombarded with reminders of your ex. Keep them under your bed, in your closet, somewhere where they'd only see them if they were snooping through your things. Keep old digital pictures and saved e-mails in a folder where they won't be easily seen, even if you're trying to show him or her something on your computer.

2. Update your social networking pages. Take the pictures of you two out of the profile pictures album - even if you're not using them, it's important to assure your significant other that you don't even plan on using them again. Go through your online photo albums and delete the pictures of you two kissing. Consolidate the albums devoted just to your ex; consider putting them all into one album called "The Past." Also consider deleting some pictures of you two, especially the ones who look repetitive, thin them out and only keep the really special of you two, like you guys at proms and other special events.

3. Avoid hanging out with your ex one on one. Don't do things with them that could be interpreted as dates, such as going to romantic places in town, going out to dinner, seeing movies together, etc. Keep your encounters to group settings. Do not spend holidays together one on one, no matter how "like family" you consider him or her - this is especially true for holidays that are closely associated with spending time with family and loved ones, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and of course Valentines Day. If you spend any holiday with only one person, it should be the person you at least claim to care about.

4. Do not use the word "love" in a current sense. Even if you "love" your ex as a friend or sibling, just don't use it. There's no excuse. Even if you are Italian.

This guide could even go for the people you used to have feelings for but were never actually in a relationship with. Remember, there are situations where it is understandable and reasonable for your significant other to be jealous and uncomfortable, and if they say they're upset about you doing something with someone with the opposite sex, it's best to listen to his or her concerns. After all, their feelings should probably have priority over the feelings of someone you (supposedly) don't love anymore.