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Should You Talk About Past Relationships With Your Partner? Here’s What You Need to Know

One of the trickiest topics to navigate in relationships is whether or not to discuss one's romantic past with one's current partner.

Jennifer McDougall
6 min readDec 7, 2024
Photo by Allef Vinicius on Unsplash

It’s a delicate dance — too much detail can stir up insecurity, but avoiding the subject altogether can create unnecessary mystery. So where’s the balance? Should you dive into the past or leave it where it belongs?

As a millennial woman who values connection and authenticity, I believe there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every relationship is unique, but there are some universal truths and guidelines to help you navigate this potentially sticky subject. Let’s explore the pros and cons, the “how-tos,” and what discussing your past relationships can mean for your current one.

Why the Topic of Past Relationships Feels So Loaded

Let’s be honest: discussing past relationships with your partner can feel like walking into a minefield. Relationships tap into our deepest emotions—our fears, insecurities, and longing for connection.

Talking about your exes (or hearing about theirs) can trigger feelings from curiosity to jealousy to vulnerability.

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Jennifer McDougall
Jennifer McDougall

Written by Jennifer McDougall

Host of Life Refined podcast 🎙️ Personal Growth | Self-Improvement | Wellness 💡 Helping you level up your mindset & life. https://linktr.ee/jenmcdougall

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