When couples break up, it’s more usual than not for both to stay put rather than making a new life in a different location. If you have children together and share the care, this can be an advantage, but it can also cause all sorts of difficulties, especially if the community is a small one.

Even in a large city, the likelihood of bumping into your former partner is quite high, as you may well have the same leisure interests and circle of friends. If you also have professional links, there’s even more chance of you coming into contact on a regular basis.

Of course, the idea of meeting your ex unexpectedly might not be an issue, particularly if you remain on cordial terms. Even if you’re daggers drawn, “accidentally” letting your former spouse witness you having a good time might actually appeal to some people.

However, a majority of people who are newly estranged or divorced would probably choose not to encounter their ex by chance. Suddenly catching sight of your former love across the high street or in wine bar can be emotionally very painful – the more so if they are in the arms of someone new.

So if you are newly single and dread seeing your former partner, think about moving to another village, town or city. If this is neither practical nor appealing because it would involve leaving behind work, friends and loved ones, consider instead moving to the opposite side of town. Think, too, about your social life and how you can make changes to lessen the likelihood of your ex showing up. If you are both big theatre goers, join a group that organises trips to theatres in other towns and cities; if you both like working out at the gym, join a new one.

Divorce is a great opportunity to start afresh, so taking up new hobbies and interests not only minimises the risk of meeting your former partner, it’s a good way of meeting other people and forming new social networks.

The best approach, though, if you’re going to be sharing the same town, is to reconcile yourself to the idea of bumping into your ex at some point. Remember, you’re not obliged to make small talk, or even exchange a word, if you don’t feel like it. Simply pretend they’re not there.