Family & RelationshipsAsk E. Jean: Should I Get Dinner With My Ex?

© Getty Images He hurt me so much, and I made a new life elsewhere. Now he's here, visiting, and wants to see me.

Dear E. Jean: I'm a pretty, smart girl who's gone through shattering, horrible, tragic heartbreak because of a man I absolutely adored. After I spent half a year getting to know him, then a year and a half in the gawdawfullest part of the South trying to develop a relationship with him, he unceremoniously dumped me. I came to my senses, moved back to New York, and began a new career. My problem? He is flying in for business and has asked me to dinner.

I've thought endlessly about what I'm going to wear, revved up the diet and exercise, imagined all sorts of ridiculously expensive restaurants he might invite me to, but I (honestly!) don't indulge any grand fantasy of him saying: "I was wrong; I'm moving here to be with you. Marry me." My question: Should I even bother spending an evening with this man? And if I end up seeing him, do I play it cool? Or should I be all sugar, like I normally am? I really want him to eat his heart out! Clearly I've lost all perspective. -Slightly Over the Edge

12 Instant Pot Recipes for Cozy Dinner in a Flash

I'm not going to beat around the bush. It was, like, nine degrees Fahrenheit earlier this week in New York City. No amount of scarves, long underwear, tights beneath long underwear, double socks, or ear muffs could've prepared me for the walk to the grocery store around 4 p.m. By the time I returned to my apartment (at around 4:15 p.m.), I was pretty sure my cheeks and nose would never thaw. Enter: a cozy, burbling dinner. One that tastes like it's been cooking allllll day long, but that totally hasn't. For this, I turn to my Instant Pot: an electric multicooker capable of producing low-and-slow flavor (you know, the Maillard reaction, and all that) in a flash. There Are *So* Many Instant Pots to Choose From—Here’s th by Ella Quittner Instant Pot Soy-Braised Pork for When Life Feels Extra Ch by EmilyC Such is my key to surviving frigid winter weeknights. Below is an excellent line-up of 12 weeknight Instant Pot stalwarts, each just as delicious and satisfying as the next. (And a whole lot cozier than yet another pair of socks.) 12 Instant Pot Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners Fettuccine Alfredo With Butternut Squash & Mushrooms by Ella Quittner According to 10 out of 10 scientists, an extra-creamy, extra-cheesy bowl of fettuccine Alfredo full of butternut squash and crispy mushrooms is the only known antidote to winter weeknights. Instant Pot Coconut Shrimp Soup (Tom Kha) by Urvashi Pitre A delicately flavored, comforting soup that can be all yours in under half an hour.

Ask E . Jean : How Do I End My Obsession With My Ex ? I need to stop my crazy phone calls, once and for all. Poor, poor Glutton: Designate a friend to receive all crocked calls or, when you get that urge, dial your own machine (you'll be flummoxed by how Ask E . Jean : Should I Get Dinner With My Ex ?

Ask E . Jean : My Coworker Got Engaged to My Ex . He broke my heart, and it kills me seeing them together. How do I not hate them? Ask E . Jean : Should I Get Dinner With My Ex ? " My Ex -Boyfriend Ruined My Life". Ask E . Jean : Is My Boyfriend Too Secretive?

Slightly, Sugar: Should you "bother"? Please. If I duct-taped your Manolos (with you inside them) to the top of the Empire State Building, you'd show up at the restaurant, dragging the spire behind you. Go. Be yourself. But I warn you: Your imagination has lathered up the smoochie-smoochie so thoroughly (dress, menu, "will you marry me"-yes! Don't fib to Eeee), your skepticism has been lost in the shuffle. The man's an "unceremonious" ass. Therefore, allow me to suggest another scenario: You kiss him goodnight in front of the restaurant; you jump in a cab, slam the door, wind down the window, throw him another kiss; and, as he stands throbbing on the sidewalk, you zoom away-gloriously, gorgeously indifferent.

This letter is from the Ask E. Jean Archive, 1993-2017. Send questions to E. Jean at E.Jean@AskEJean.com.

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This letter is from the Ask E . Jean Archive, 1993-2017. Send questions to E . Jean at E . Jean @AskEJean.com. A Part of Hearst Digital Media ELLE participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products

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