© Shutterstock

Be professional -

Break ups can result in a lot of tense conversation, but an office environment is no place for this kind of interaction.

© Shutterstock

Be professional -

While it may be difficult to converse with an ex partner objectively, you don't need a broken heart ruining your reputation. Keep communication strictly professional. 

© Shutterstock

Focus on your work -

Try compartmentalizing your emotions at work and focus on your job. By doing this you'll spend less time worrying about your ex. 

© Shutterstock

Focus on your work -

Fretting about an ex puts you off your game. So ask yourself, do you really want to let a relationship that didn't work impact your career?

© Shutterstock

Set your boundaries -

Maybe you're able to switch teams, move desks, or alter shifts to minimize contact with your ex.

© Shutterstock

Set your boundaries -

If that's not possible, have an open conversation about setting boundaries around what interactions are necessary, and those that should be avoided. 

© Shutterstock

Don't stir up drama -

The key to working with an ex partner is to keep work and relationship as separate as possible. 

© Shutterstock

Don't stir up drama -

Any unfinished business, or discussion about the break up, should take place after-hours.

© Shutterstock

Acknowledge the awkwardness between you -

No matter how the break up went down, the situation is often awkward for everyone concerned. 

© Shutterstock

Acknowledge the awkwardness between you -

However, it's okay to make light of the situation by acknowledging any tension if or when you run into each other. Accepting the awkwardness of it all can help you both move on. 

© Shutterstock

Pay attention to your body language -

The way you stand and position yourself in relation to others, and how you gesticulate towards them, can indicate clear levels of discomfort.

© Shutterstock

Pay attention to your body language -

Your body language says a lot about who you are. Anything out of the ordinary will be picked up by others. Be prepared to check how you present yourself in the wake of any break up. 

© Shutterstock

Keep your correspondence offline -

Avoid communicating with your ex via the work e-mail, or office phone. You don't want the IT guys or, worse still, the boss snooping into your personal business. 

© Shutterstock

Keep your correspondence offline -

Instead, chat in person after-hours, and only text or call using your personal phone. Also, be mindful of what you post on social media. Your colleagues may well be sharing the same networks. 

© Shutterstock

Tread carefully if you report to your ex -

If you've had a prior relationship with a manager, an affair that could potentially get in the way of your work or promotion aspirations, it's always better to sure that person's superior is aware of your history together.  

© Shutterstock

Tread carefully if you report to your ex -

Yes, it's a sensitive subject. But situations like this must be navigated using good judgment and consideration for all sides involved. 

© Shutterstock

Avoid gossiping about your situation -

Sure, venting anger, bad-mouthing, and spilling secrets is the fallout from many break ups. But in a workplace environment, the rules governing a split are are a little different.

© Shutterstock

Avoid gossiping about your situation -

Your colleagues will no doubt want to know what happened. But no matter how close you are with them, some things are best kept to yourself. And in any case, besmirching someone's name and reputation will only make you look bad. Instead, reserve your ranting for friends and family outside the workplace. 

© Shutterstock

Get your priorities straight -

Set a clear intention to prioritize work and remain motivated, even if your ex is still floating around the office.  

© Shutterstock

Get your priorities straight -

Then take a moment to weigh all your options. Ask yourself whether the job you're doing is actually the right one for you. By thinking about this you may realize that trying to work with your ex is doing more harm than good. Furthermore, it might not be worth doing in the first place. 

© Shutterstock

Focus on your goals -

Writing a journal is a great way to outline the goals you've set regarding your career. Make sure you include how your work ambitions play into the wider scope of what you seek personally, things such as happiness, physical wellbeing, and freedom. 

© Shutterstock

Focus on your goals -

By making these connections, you'll identify the link between your career goals and your broader personal happiness. 

© Shutterstock

Stick close to other co-workers -

To avoid relying too heavily on your ex, seek support from co-workers.  But beware! This doesn't mean voicing off to someone else about your former flame. 

© Shutterstock

Stick close to other co-workers -

The most important thing is to find someone you can connect with. And the more removed that person is from your ex, the better.

© Shutterstock

Increase your nonwork social life -

If you need and want to, add some distance from those after-work get-togethers, especially if your ex is likely to be present. 

© Shutterstock

Increase your nonwork social life -

Instead, go ahead and reconnect with a friend you don't see often. If you're satisfied with your social life you'll be less tempted to combine it with work. 

© Shutterstock

Remember that adapting to working with your ex takes time -

At the end of the day, give the situation time and allow the blocks of reason to fall into place by themselves. Don't do anything drastic. Just allow your working relationship with your ex to take its natural course.

Sources: (Forbes) (Women's Health) 

See also: Office romances: the do's and don'ts

© Shutterstock