Dear PoPville – We Split Up, Advice on Sharing the Neighborhood?

Photo by PoPville flickr user rosiedawn

“Dear PoPville,

I’ve always found solace in the goings-on of my fellow PoPvillians, so why should this time of need be any different? Over the weekend, my long-term girlfriend and I broke up. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a very amicable split and I’m pretty heartbroken. Among the many heartaches to confront is the fact that we’re both Columbia Heights residents, and practically neighbors. And over the course of our relationship, we’d come to frequent many neighborhood bars and restaurants together, even achieving coveted ‘regular’ status at a couple of them. So, aside from seeing her at the grocery store or gym, there’s the chance of running into each other when we’re both out-and-about. I don’t want the constant worry of an uncomfortable encounter to ‘ruin’ any of our favorite joints for either of us. Just wondered your and PoPville’s thoughts about how to handle this situation. Should we consider — for lack of a better term — a ‘joint custody agreement,’ or do I just have to suck it up and face the potential music whenever I want to grab a burger or a beer? Thanks.”

I’m very sorry to hear this. I’m afraid there’s no easy answer for this. I would take a break for a few weeks and maybe hit up some other spots across town until your wounds have begun to heal. Ultimately, I think you’ll just have to “suck it up” but hopefully by that point the possible potential encounter will be slightly less painful. Has anyone been in a similar situation? If so, what have you done?