Did you just receive a wedding invitation from your ex-boyfriend? If so, you’re probably wondering what you should do.
The reality is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. In some cases, it wouldn’t be a bad idea. In other situations, it would be a really bad idea.
As you try to decide what’s best for you, here are some things to think about to help.
If You’re Not Emotionally Over Your Breakup, You Shouldn’t Go
Even if you’ve completely dealt with your breakup, you’ll probably still experience some surprising emotions at your ex-boyfriend’s wedding.
Seeing your ex-boyfriend tying the knot with someone else may make you feel, if nothing else, a bit weird. That could’ve been you up there if things had gone differently, after all.
One good rule of thumb is that if you have any doubts about being over your past relationship, don’t go to the wedding. You don’t want to put yourself into such a potentially difficult situation.
This is all the more true for recent breakups. Especially if it’s been three months or less, that would be a big no-no.
You don’t want to have an emotional breakdown in such a public setting. You also don’t want to become possessive with the bride to be or anything like that.
If you’re not over your past relationship, you should feel totally okay with politely declining the invitation.
Consider the Feelings of Your Current Partner
If you receive a wedding invitation from your ex-boyfriend while you’re currently in a new relationship, that could complicate things a bit.
You don’t want your decision to cause any relational conflicts. You also don’t want to hurt your current partner’s feelings.
There are a lot of possibilities. For one, your current partner may be okay with attending the wedding with you. Your partner could be a good support for you in this case. You also may wind up having a really good time as a couple.
Another option is that, having considered your partner’s feelings, you may attend the wedding alone.
The key is to find the right balance. Again, make sure that whatever you decide, that it doesn’t harm your existing relationship in any way. Your current relationship is obviously more important than any previous one.
Get Outside Advice About Whether to Attend Your Ex-Boyfriend’s Wedding
Because deciding on whether to attend your ex-boyfriend’s wedding or not can be an emotionally charged decision, seek out the opinions of people you trust.
Friends and family often can see things about us that we’re blind to. For instance, you may think you’re over your past relationship. However, your friends or family may have a different perspective. They may notice subtle ways that you’re still struggling.
Including others you trust will give you better odds that you make the best decision. You can even seek help from a trusted professional to increase your chances of success.
Need Some Help with Breakup-Related Challenges?
Anyone who’s gone through a breakup knows that it’s anything but easy. Sometimes you just need a trained professional to help you along.
Family and friends may care about you but may be unsure of how to help you. At the OC Relationship Center, our team is very familiar with helping individuals through these sorts of challenges. If you’re struggling, things don’t have to stay that way.
