Muhammad Ali always liked to boast that he floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee.
Likewise with love, you initially have those nervous butterflies every time you see that special somebody but eventually you always end up getting stung.
Even though you hurt, you should follow these tips on how to act in front of your ex.
Step 1: Be Civil: You don't want to be like Muhammad Ali and throw the gloves on the minute your ex walks in the room.
First, they'll never want to get back with you if they repeatedly get black eyes in your company or second, they just simply might not be worth it and you shouldn't risk breaking a nail on their nose.
Step 2: Behaved: This goes beyond just refraining from challenging your ex to an extreme street fight, you also shouldn't drown a quart of moonshine just because they're in the same place as you.
If you act drunk or rowdy, it looks as if you can't get over them and there's a better chance words you don't want will exit your mouth.
Step 3: Cozy But Not Engulfed: The ship has sailed on dating your ex and now you have a new man.
As much as you'd love to rub it in to the guy that hurt you by playing tonsil tennis with your new guy, try and refrain.
This will make it appear you're just trying to kick a man when he's down and the crowd will turn on you because they always root for the underdog.
Step 4: Unfazed: Going through a breakup is a chess match of control.
You'll appear to be Kasparov if you act unfazed when your ex is around.
You can call checkmate if you are cool enough to say hi and chat for a bit but quickly move on to the next crowd so you don't look like a hanger-on.
Step 5: Like They're Your Ex: It pretty much goes without saying that you shouldn't walk up to your ex and French kiss them the next time you see them out.
On the same token, you also shouldn't act colder than a Siberian winter because this is somebody you spent part of your life on.
Meet somewhere in the middle and it will be smooth for both of you.
Step 6: Cordially: It doesn't hurt anybody to say hello or goodbye or to compliment them on their pea green sweater.
By taking initiative and being cordial shows you're in command and call the shots in your own life, single or married.
Step 7: With Respect: All these tips are meant so that you treat not only your ex, but also yourself with respect when seeing them in public.
Don't degrade yourself to make them feel jealous and don't totally do the Michael Flatley Riverdance on the heart of somebody that cared for you.