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Can or should I ask my significant other to stop talking and to not associate with his ex? If so, how?

208 Answers
Last Updated: 06/28/2022 at 12:07pm
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Top Rated Answers
bubblegumPuppy68
November 19th, 2020 6:02pm
You have every right to ask your significant other to limit their interaction with the other person, just out of respect for you. I would not ask them to cut all ties with that person yet because there has been a relationship established between the two over a course of time, which has created a source of bonding. To ask them to completely cut them off might promote resistance create a problem in your relationship. One thing you might try would be to ask your partner when they associate. with this other person that they do it with you as to create a sense of inner peace for you. Explain to them how you feel honestly. I feel that if they truly care they will give you that respect.
Wildflower257
December 27th, 2020 3:45pm
Because toxic relationships are hard to break. I don't know the details of your relationship, so I can't pinpoint the exact reason, but there can be a number of reasons why people keep going back to a toxic relationship. If you're in a codependent relationship, that could be one of the reasons. Also, the familiarity that comes with the person or the relationship keeps people going back. Or if they are in love with the toxic person and attached to them and habituated to that toxic behaviour, and that makes it hard to break it off. Some people also end up staying because of the fear of being alone and not being able to find another partner again. Whichever of these it is, I hope you can find it in you to disengage and leave (if it is very toxic for you) because being in a toxic relationship can be extremely draining and damaging and ruin your life and mental health and peace. It will be a hard thing to do at first, but ultimately very liberating and an act of self love.
AWordyHopeFiend
January 8th, 2021 9:27pm
Double Edge Sword there: A. On one hand, he wants you to trust him. B. He may be/feel irritated/annoyed/offended/accused. C. Combination of (and not limited to) A & B. If it were I, I would attempt to compromise, ask a few questions, get a feel for the past relationship, and make an educated guess on the nature of the continued relationship. If your partner says they would rather not talk about it. Thats may indicate: Guilt, Shame, Longing (they miss them dearly though the other has denied/denies their claim of them.) though if something seems to be up 8/10 of the time? : Trust your gut.
Anonymous
April 21st, 2021 1:04am
This is a hard question. It is super important to communicate with a significant other about how things make you feel, and what you are comfortable with. Going to your significant other very calmly and approaching them with how you feel is a way to start a conversation. It is also important to not be overly offensive when saying that them talking to an ex makes you uncomfortable because they make take it as you having mistrust in them. It is important to listen to how they feel as well, they may still want to continue contact with them. If it something that they wish to continue doing, you have to respect that boundary they made and trust them- or you can assess if your relationship is more important than them talking to an ex.
Yourstruly14
May 2nd, 2021 12:47am
A wise man once said, "seek to understand, then to be understood." Or something like that. Why is it that he talks about his ex so frequently, is it for a reason that can dampen your relationship like still having feelings for her? If not, then good and following clarifying, it would be beneficial if you helped him to understand how it makes you feel when he speaks of his ex. If he is as understanding as you, he should cease doing so, but if he does not and continues, you may want to reevaluate your relationship with him.
Anonymous
May 14th, 2021 1:07pm
On the question of whether you can, or are able to - this would depend on how comfortable you feel in terms of the possible reaction it might bring about. Otherwise, bringing up a topic should not be a cause for concern in itself. To the matter of if you should, well, ultimately you as an individual have the right to decide what your boundaries are. If it's an issue for you and not shared, then perhaps a compromise can be reached. Relationships demand a certain amount of patience, sacrifice and problem solving to be worthwhile after all. Ask and be sincere in reaching a compromise, or deal with the internal confusion this causes - either way it's important to take a decision and move forwards.
youareanangel
May 20th, 2021 4:44pm
Communication is always the key. You know this situation and you significant other better than anyone else, so think what could be the worst and the best case scenario if you share your feelings. It is always better to talk things through. With talking, you can see the other persons real intentions with you. Remember, if communication doesn't work, always think what's the best for you. Ask yourself if you feel comfortable with being associated. Understand if that is a big trigger in your relationship. After reviewing these questions, act accordingly as your heart says. Always remember that first comes your wellbeing. Try not to think about what the other person might feel like. Someone always is going to feel different about your emotions and acts. Of course, you shouldn't be rude. Just speak from your heart. I hope this helps! If anything, let me know!
Lyreihelps06
June 18th, 2021 11:02pm
In a relationship, it is important to set personal boundaries, If what your significant other is making you feel bad (sad, worried, jealous... or whatever it is you feel) you should totally let them know in a calm manner so that you can discuss it together. But, perhaps, whether your SO actually stops talking or associating with his ex is something you both have to decide as a couple, I don't believe it is something you can ask him to do unilaterally. So, my advice is to talk to him about how this makes you feel and come to a mutual understanding about what to do about it.
BlueDophin90
June 15th, 2022 8:53am
I think it depends on the situation. If your significant others are getting too close or communicating too intensely with his ex, it might be better to ask him if you don't feel comfortable with that. The same thing applies to any other situation that makes you bothered. Try to be as assertive as possible when you talk to your significant other and not be offensive or blame him so he wouldn't get defensive or dismissive when you tell him how you feel about it. Give him a chance to explain the situation from his side. Try to understand his situation and make sure he knows that. But tell him why it concerns you. If he deems your relationship important, he will take your concern into consideration. Don't force him to do it instantly. Give him time. But make sure he's committed to putting you and your relationship first.
Anonymous
July 14th, 2016 2:38pm
Just explain that it makes you feel uncomfortable and it upsets you if they truly love you they will understand
Ashley132
July 15th, 2016 10:13am
I think you should let him know how you're feeling, but at the same time you need to trust him, trust that shes his ex for a reason, hes with you now
Anonymous
August 12th, 2016 5:42am
Just tell them that it makes you uncomfortable for them to be talking to their ex and that you don't want them to do it.
compassionateLynx80
August 12th, 2016 11:35pm
I think it highly depends on their relationship. I am still friends with some of my exes and would let that stop. If you feel like there is more than friendship happening, you should bring it up and talk about what is happening and why it makes you feel uncomfortable. Just prohibiting something does not make the problem go away
trashcat
August 18th, 2016 5:13pm
If this bothers you or make you feel bad you should just be honest with your significant other. Of course its not like you can forbid them to interact or talk about their ex but you can ask for it and make clear how this feels for you.
Anonymous
August 21st, 2016 2:05pm
If it makes you uncomfortable he's still talking to her, talk to him about it without telling him to terminate it, leave it up to him or else he'd get defensive.
ContentSoleil
August 31st, 2016 2:01pm
In my experience, that's something that will happen naturally with time. It's super hard to be patient and wait, but for me, that was what ultimately worked. How long to wait before saying something? I honestly thing that depends on how long they were together. The longer they were, the longer it might take for them to get that distance. If they have children together, they will always talk, and that's just something you will have to get used to. Good luck! Stay strong.
sdmvs
August 31st, 2016 3:17pm
Well you should tell him that he has to left that in the past, maybe he has not got over it yet and needs help
FluffyKoalaa7
August 31st, 2016 6:16pm
If the situation makes you uncomfortable, yes you should speak up and let your significant other know how you feel about it.
ListeningisHealing
September 1st, 2016 1:22pm
I think it is important to explore how talking to ex effects you and why that may maybe. After exploring that, you may start with a conversation with your partner about him talking to his ex effects you and the relationship and see where that conversation goes.
BeautifulOutlaw
September 15th, 2016 9:33am
Yes. If it is something that's bothering you, than I would bring it up. Just tell him that it makes you upset and uncomfortable that he's still speaking to his ex. That they're ex's for a reason. How I see it is, you can't be just friends with someone you once loved. Best of luck sweetie!
Anonymous
September 23rd, 2016 8:13pm
Yes, if it makes you uncomfortable. Explain to him/her that though you trust them it still makes you uncomfortable and insecure. Tell them why it makes you uncomfortable . Do it calmly, without getting angry and emotional or accusing them of anything . Explain to them that your insecurity is stronger since they are in touch with their ex
Honeypuffs99
October 2nd, 2016 1:50pm
That depends on how her/his relationship with their ex is. Talk to you bf/gf about how it makes you feel that they are still talking to their ex, and ask if you have any reason to be worried. Make sure you don't accuse them of anything, be understanding, and have faith in them and your relationship. There is a reason they broke up with their ex and are now with you, right?
Anonymous
October 13th, 2016 2:11am
It depends. Is your partner close with this person? If so then No. But you should sit down and talk to him or her about this
smoltimes
October 16th, 2016 2:29am
They have no reason to be speaking with anyone in their past relationships. Tell them how it is making you feel (about them associating w their ex) . Ask them to explain why they are still talking to their ex anyway?
Anonymous
October 22nd, 2016 1:49am
Yes, politely ask your significant other and discuss with them how it makes you feel. If they don't listen to you, they aren't worth your time.
Anonymous
November 10th, 2016 10:40pm
Perhaps instead of asking them to stop talking to the ex, maybe you can just start an open conversation with your significant other. Talk to them about how you are feeling when they associate with the ex, and see how they feel about your concerns.
calsee
November 11th, 2016 3:29pm
of course you should , if you're feeling uncomfortable about something in your relationship , it's important that you share your feelings . always be open with one another . just politely sit him down and tell him how you feel about it and that it would make you feel better if he'd rather not associate himself with her .. you're supposed to be one of his top priorities , your feelings should matter to him .
XConsolingAngelX
November 23rd, 2016 3:43am
In every relationship there comes a time where the ex is involved. This provides a very great struggle in the relationship. You can calmly explain by giving and I feel message to your partner and letting them know that you do not appreciate that they are speaking with someone that they have been with in a love aspect
Anonymous
November 30th, 2016 1:58am
Healthy relationships are built on trust. Unless the relationship between your partner and the ex is an unhealthy one, banning are part of another's past is more of a sign of distrust and personal insecurity. Perhaps talking with someone about why this association with an ex is bothering you might be more beneficial.
bunnyhelps
February 1st, 2017 8:21pm
You definitely can, because your significant other is now in a relationship with YOU and there must be something going on if he keeps mentioning his ex. He hasn't gotten over her/him, but it doesn't always have to be that. However, even if it wasn't serious, it is serious to you. He should give all attention to you. Tell him how you feel openly. Maybe pick up the courage to ask why he talks about his ex to you. If he's the real one and if he loves you unconditionally, he will listen to you without judgement and will try to solve the problem.