Ex-boyfriend. Ex-lover.

Ex-jumpoff. Ex-coworker.

Ex-enemy. Ex-friend.

Ex-buddy. Ex-husband.

Are you constantly thinking about your Exes? Wondering if they’re thinking about you? Hate to burst your perfect bubble, but they’re not.

I assure you that the dreamy reunion you’re hoping to revisit won’t be pleasant. I think of all of my Exes as rocket fuel - particularly the bad ones. They’re the indispensable power source required to launch you into the stratosphere of success, but should never be used again when considering a safe and secure landing.

I regard my Ex-anythings as necessary evils for my superstar development. I’ve learned that the Ex is a highly combustible object that must be contained in my past, to prevent future harm and pain.

For this post, allow my inner science nerd to give you a quick lesson about space flight.

A space shuttle requires 2 rocket boosters to get off the ground. Two minutes after the launch, the boosters fall off the external tank into the ocean, to be recovered by NASA. But ten minutes after the launch the external fuel tank drops from the orbiter and falls into the ocean, never to be used again.

So if you are thinking about googling your Ex to see what they are up to via the web, or emailing them to say what’s up, don’t. Who needs old rocket fuel? Who wants to find an old friend so they can confirm that you are a distant memory that isn’t so special? Why give people another opportunity to make you feel worse?

Get some self-esteem. Move on with your life. Your exes certainly are.

When I see an Ex anything, I’m actually saying to myself as I pass them, “Hello Rocket Fuel. Thanks for the ride.” But you are staying where I left you, deep in the ocean of my past, never to be recovered again.

Live well and love yourself,

Mechele