The "EX" Factor

I've always been amused by the way people behave (or rather make complete fools out of themselves)in the presence of their Ex's. It's natural to have a feeling of awkwardness obviously, but still I can't find a way to justify their trying to avoid any such situation to face those persons who, once were supposed to have been "sharing their souls". [I'm nobody to judge the credibility of the word 'soulmates', hence the double quoting! I'd rather play safe here! :) ]

After the school days, I had scripted out a possible scene if i ever came across my "girlfriend" from 12th std. It was more like a way to kill the time, waiting for the college admissions. I had made up a mental questionare for her, and an answer key for all her possible questions for me. Now before you guys jump into any conclusion that I'm a total nut-case, in my defense, the "relationship" lasted for about 8-9 months; so there's nothing much to ask and reply for. Still the picture I had in mind was more of a sit-com kind of a scene and not a soap drama. But I know for sure, most of my friends, if were ever put in that situation, would rather go and hang themselves than face the Ex.

Last month, we had a small get-together with some friens. Among them was the girl, for whom I had "spent" 4 years of my high-school life, going crazy & delusional with her thoughts in my head. [and of course, yes, she never accepted me ! :) So technically, she's not my Ex.]. Maybe that was why, I never found it awkward, not even for a single moment, being around her. I can't really say the same about her though, still she managed to keep her cool & there was no long killing minutes of silence or loss of words. It was a pretty funny deal, picking up the old memories, mostly embarrassing things, and we all had some good laugh out of it.

One of the guys who had shown up was hugely amazed by the ease with which we could talk to each other, and even 'about' us, without any feeling of humiliation or an urge to strangle the other one! He later told me that he'd be embarrassed to death if he was ever put in that situation. I took it rather as a complement for both of us, that we were able to put aside everything and take it on the lighter side. This was my impression until later when she made a pretty huge mess out of an argument with me for posting some pics of us together from that day in Orkut, which I had thought she'd take with the same spirit. How wrong was I. I was rather surprised than offended by  her still clinging on to the feeling of insecurity. This was clear when she later referred to me as "Brother " to one of my friends, when he tried to tease her with the story.

I can understand why she was trying to make her side clear. But I still can't help asking, 'why bother so much if the other person is not interested in you anymore ?'. Same is the case with anyone I presume. No matter how much history you have, if you guys have moved on and have no feelings towards each other, then what's there to feel humiliated or guilty about ? Can't we keep it that simple ? Why can't we treat our Ex-crushes/Ex-admirers/Ex- lovers more like friends, than like utter strangers whose presence could impose a potential death upon you ? My question remains unanswered. You guys are truly welcome to share your thoughts on this. Help me find an answer :).