X-ing out an ex

Let's admit it. Some of us are a little bit too nice, even at times a little bit too forgiving.

Even though a person may have cheated on you with a dozen people, you still let them have phone and e-mail privileges after it's over. A person may have announced your breakup to the entire world before letting you in on it, but you add them as a friend on Facebook anyway.

However, sometimes the ex who violated the relationship contract still manages to vex you long after you have bid adieu and given your forgiveness. I've seen situations where a man has impregnated and married the other woman just to call the ex he did wrong to engage in some soul searching. There was also another situation where a friend of mine dated a serial cheater for five years only for him to call her up every year after the breakup to say he's in love with her and wants to be with her despite the fact that he's with another woman. Women do it as well. One of my closest male friends had an ex who cheated on him repeatedly call him up three years after the breakup saying she was pregnant and wished that it was his. The nerve of some people.

However, the biggest problem in these cases is that the lines of communication are still open. Understandably, some people can break up and remain friends. But usually, when someone screwed you over, that's hard to do. And to think the people still find ways to negatively impact your life.

Now, the people in the above situations have used various methods to end their individual vicious cycles. One used avoidance, which isn't working. One changed her phone number, which did work eventually. And one basically disappeared from everybody except those closest to them.

What do you feel is the best way to get rid of an ex? When is the best time to rid yourself of an ex?