My stomach just completely dropped through the floorboards: I'm halfway across the world at this sleepy coastal resort with my parents, and my toxic ex literally just walked past the gelato stand toward me. I thought I was hallucinating? My hands are shaking so hard I can barely type this. How is he even here, what if he talks to me, do I sprint to the hotel room or pretend I'm dead?

First rule of surviving ghost sightings in flip-flops: breathe, plant your feet, and remember you owe this ghost absolutely nothing—not a greeting, not a performance, not a dramatic scene. Your nervous system is hitting the panic alarm because it remembers the old chaos, not because he actually has any power over you now. He’s just an unpleasant plot twist on two legs, not a summoner of your past. Here is your game plan: Dark sunglasses on. If he walks up and tries a classic “Hey stranger,” do not engage in small talk. Give him a calm, iced-over nod and say: “I’m here with my family and having my vacation. Goodbye.” Then walk straight back to your parents' beach chairs. Your parents are your ultimate human shield right now—tell them you just saw someone you need to avoid, grab a double scoop of gelato, and let them be the fortress. You didn't fly all this way to let an ex ruin your sunset.