Caution: Guy Code vs. Girl Code.

I can't believe it's taken me so long to discuss the difference in relationship code amongst guys and girls, but after lengthy chats with both sets of friends, it's become abundantly clear that there is a monumental difference in feelings on relationship "dibs" once the relationship is over.

Girls have a strong feeling on the issue: No matter how long it's been, or how deep the commitment was, an ex-boyfriend is off-limits. Your best friend hooked up with some loser two or three times? You can't touch him. He didn't have to be her boyfriend of three years or the love of her life for him to be riddled with neon Caution tape. If your girlfriend had anything to do with him, general consensus says: you cannot. If you are, indeed, into your girlfriend's ex, it's probably best to talk with her about it. Chalking your hook-up up to: "He's her ex. What's the big deal?" may just earn you a one-way ticket to Betraysville. You never know: Some girls may be cool with it, but it's always a smart idea to ask before you take. I, for one, would be rather irritated. But hey, that's just me.

Guys work a little differently. Some have told me that their mentality doesn't stray far from a girl's. If he's hooked up with her, why should his friends feel as though she's fair game? Aren't there enough girls out there, that they don't have to jump on my leftovers? This mentality, is the guy's exception to the rule. Most guys are okay with their friends hooking up with their exes, so long as it wasn't their insanely emotionally-invested ex-girlfriend. A drunken hook up? A one night stand? A summer fling? Guys will usually turn their heads.  Regardless, it still may be a good idea just to double-check. After all, guys are more possessive than they appear. A casual shrug and nonchalant sure is probably green light, but if he's gotta hesitate, guys, then you should probably stay away. From my knowledge, bro-code is pretty bond, anyway.

What if the shoe's on the other foot? What if you're into your ex's friend? Whether you're a girl or a guy, it's never right to step on their toes and swoop up their buddies. Maintaining friendly relations with their pals is one thing, but try to romantically keep your distance. A lot of the time, there is a substantial attraction to your ex's friends; it's pretty normal. Why? You can always judge a person by the ones they surround themselves with. Chances are, if they can click well, you will find an underlying attraction to them, too. Regardless of whether or not you are trying to aggravate your ex, it will always appear that you are. Fact. Move on after the break up. Pursuing his (her) friends will only cause problems.

What's your personal take on the situation?

Are exes off-limits?