The first conversation after a breakup can be one of the most awkward and nerve-wracking experiences, but it doesn't have to be.
There are many ways to go about naturally easing into conversation that can save you those anxious butterflies (or full blown panic attacks), so just relax - it will be okay.
If You Can't Make It, Don't Fake It While faking a smile has been proven to actually improve your mood, and may even lead to real, genuine smiling, the true cannot be said for conversation.
If you really can't find anything (good and nice) to say, then it really is just best to wait until you are more calm and can speak freely without sounding so forced.
Hello Is Always Nice A simple greeting is usually the best way to start any conversation, and this applies to ex's as well.
Just say "hello", with a smile (which can be faked if necessary!), and see where it takes you.
If you follow it with a genuine "how are you?" or "how have you been?" then you practically have a full conversation going right there! A Compliment is Always Nice If you've found your way past the greeting, a compliment is always nice.
Don't think too hard about it, just notice something (anything really), and comment in a pleasant way about it.
Even if it's something ridiculous, and it's obvious that you are really stretching for a compliment, your efforts will be noted, and endearingly appreciated.
See A Movie You Know They Have Recently Seen What would we do without modern cinema? Screenwriters, actors and filmmakers would be unemployed, critics would be falling dead with boredom, and people would have to find something else to talk about.
But fortunately, we do have it.
Use it to your advantage.
Pretend You Called the Wrong Number This works great.
Act surprise and confused when your ex answers the phone, and then just plainly explain that you accidentally dialed their number (or your phone pocket called them!).
Then, while you have them on the phone, ease into a greeting, and go from there.
Online Counts Never underestimate the power of online communication.
It counts.
It's as real as voice - at least it can be.
Starting a conversation via online chat or email is a "safer" way to go too, since the immediate face-to-face rejection factor is removed.
One in six marriages now are attributed to online meetings and online dating so don't be shy to use these new forms of communication! Breathe When in doubt, breathing is always good.
It's amazing what we cannot accomplish because of stress and anxiety, and how much more pleasant everything is when we calm down, remember to breathe, and take it easy.
So, take a deep breath, and just start talking!