JANN BLACKSTONE-FORD AND SHARYL JUPE
Knight Ridder Newspapers

Q: Last Sunday I was at the beach with my new girlfriend, Janet. I wasn't expecting it, but out of the corner of my eye I saw my ex was having lunch with our daughter, Melissa, at a hot dog stand. We have joint custody of Melissa and we see each other all the time. Janet has met my daughter, but she has never met my ex. My daughter saw me and immediately screamed, "Mommy! There's Daddy and Janet!" I was extremely embarrassed. It wasn't how I envisioned their meeting each other. What is the proper ex-etiquette in a case like this?

A: Good ex-etiquette is founded on a code of behavior based on consideration, kindness and unselfishness. The criterion on which we base whether it's good or bad ex-etiquette is how the behavior affects our children. So, in order to set a good example for Melissa and not embarrass anyone else, you simply greet your daughter as you normally would and then introduce your ex to Janet, trying to act as calm as you possibly can.

Source: http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/living/11724504.htm