Guardian Readers Share 12 Stories on Dating a Friend's Ex After Bravo Debate

1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 17

Twelve Guardian readers recounted what happened when they dated a friend’s ex—or watched a friend date theirs—after a Bravo reality-TV storyline revived the taboo.
Several accounts ended in broken friendships and lasting resentment, with readers describing being sidelined, losing social circles or feeling betrayed when friends chose former partners over them.
Others said timing, consent and frank rules mattered more than the taboo itself: one family used a five-year moratorium, while another reader said “no lying” helped friends navigate overlapping relationships.
A few stories turned into durable partnerships, including relationships that lasted 40 years, 43 years and one marriage of 35 years.
The reader responses framed the debate sparked by Amanda Batula, West Wilson and Ciara Miller as a common off-screen dilemma with no single accepted rule.