We've probably all been warned against it. It's confusing. It could reopen old wounds. It's probably not going anywhere. It might not even be that good.
Why then is it sometimes so tempting to sleep with your ex?
According to a recent study conducted by the now famous (notorious?) sugar daddy dating site SeekingArrangement.com, 43 percent of women admit to regularly sleeping with an ex while searching for someone new, the Daily Mail reported.
Female participants reported several reasons for seeking sex with a former partner, according to a Seeking Arrangements press release. Explanations included:
1. "Missed physical intimacy."
2. "Wanted to re-start the relationship."
3. "Things went too far after too much to drink."
5. "Bumped into each other on a night out and 'it seemed like a good idea."
None of these reasons is all that surprising. For some of us, they're deeply familiar, indicating that self-awareness isn't necessarily a deterrent. When the urge to sleep with your ex comes, and it probably will, you need to be ready. Here are six ways to distract yourself from doing something that probably won't make you happier in the long run.
1. You've almost certainly heard Taylor Swift's "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together." Download it and play it on repeat to remember how exhausting going back to your ex -- and Taylor Swift songs -- can be.
2. Look at pictures of Ryan Gosling and read Cory Booker's Twitter feed and you'll remember that there are definitely people out there who are better than your ex.
3. Do your nails. Don't curse us yet -- this isn't "Don't be sad, Lady -- there's happiness in cosmetics!" This is calculated. It renders your hands incapable of texting your ex for at least an hour if you're drying for an effective amount of time. The fact that you'll feel a little more, well, polished as a result isn't bad either.
4. Go out dancing with your friends. You'll have a blast and release a ton of endorphins in the process, reminding yourself that you are perfectly capable of feeling giddy and alive without what's-his-or-her-face.
5. Write a list of the reasons you broke up. Trust us -- there'll be something in there that not only shuts down your desire for a post-breakup romp but makes you feel lucky you got out when you did.
6. If all else fails, take your mother's advice and sleep on it. One of the hardest parts of a breakup is getting through the nights alone. Knowing that you're most vulnerable in the evening, do whatever it takes to make it to the a.m. before contacting your ex. Then decide in the clear light of day -- when you're interacting with coworkers, friends and other people who enrich your life -- whether you really want to get back in bed with a person one or both of you decided wasn't the right fit. Is the sex really worth it?