Ex-Cruciating Ex-Boyfriend Encounters.

Readers share their most harrowing, humiliating former beau bump-ins.

You just know that sooner or later, you re going to run into him--the guy you swore was The One until it all fell apart. And you can only pray that when the moment comes, you will be on the arm of some strapping new stud and reveling in huge, braggable successes at work...oh, and of course, looking supremely hot. But honestly, what are the odds? Most likely, you'll come face-to-face with old what's his-name on the day you make the unfortunate decision to dash to the deli wearing fleece sweats with an elastic waistband. And though there's not a ton you can do to evade that destiny, it's comforting to know that other women have shared your pain. So you don't feel singled out when it comes to suffering this embarrassing encounter, we asked scorned ladies to share their horror stories of being humiliated in front of their Mr. Heartbreak.

Shopping Showdonw

"I'd dragged my new boyfriend shopping one Saturday. He sat in one of the two cozy leather chairs placed outside the dressing rooms while I went in and out, modeling various outfits for him. We were having a great time until I catwalked out to show off a pair of brown leather pants I had on--and found my most recent ex sitting in the chair next to my new guy! To my horror they were laughing and chatting with each other I tiled to run back into the dressing room to hide, but it was too late--they'd both spotted me. I had no choice but to walk over and make the introductions. I knew there was going to be trouble when my boyfriend lost his grin and said, So this is the guy who cheated on you?' I had to drag him into the dressing room with me while I changed back into my own clothes, and then we both got the hell out of there!" - Jana, 28

Ex Marks the Spot

I decided to take it easy one hungover Saturday night, so I was in full-on slob mode. I went to Blockbuster for two movies and then picked up a Super Value Meal at Wendy's. As I was walking home in my sweatpants, holding my videos in one hand and pulling files out of the bag with the other. I bumped into my high school boyfriend. He was dressed to kill--I knew even before he told me that he was headed out for a big date. We made conversation for a moment, then he went in to give me a hug good-bye. My french fiy hand got caught against his chest, and when he pulled back, we both saw that I'd left a big ketchup splotch on his crisp white shirt. I felt like a complete geek." --Kimbra, 27

Wigging Out