Hey everyone,

I’m currently navigating a tricky situation and could really use some advice from this community. Here’s the context:

While I was dating my ex-girlfriend for about five months, she showed incredible passion and dedication towards my startup. She voluntarily helped me create materials that are crucial for an upcoming milestone. Her work ethic is top-notch—she’s industrious, trustworthy, and genuinely invested in the project.

Now that I’m ready to execute this milestone, I’m facing two options:

1. Re-invite her to continue working on the project: Since she’s already familiar with the intricacies of the project and has contributed valuable work, bringing her back on board could save time and ensure continuity. Plus, I trust her skills and dedication. However, the fact that we’re no longer together introduces potential emotional complications, and I’m unsure how this might affect the work environment.
2. Hire someone new to handle the task from scratch: This would mean investing more time and resources to get a new person up to speed. On the flip side, it would create a clear boundary between my personal and professional life, which might be healthier in the long run.

There’s also something someone once pointed out to me: “Will your future wife be comfortable with your ex being a co-founder?” This question has been lingering in my mind, making me think about the potential long-term consequences of maintaining a professional relationship with my ex.

I’m leaning towards hiring someone new to keep things professional and avoid any potential issues, but I don’t want to overlook the value she could bring if she continues working with me.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation? How did you handle it, and what would you recommend?

Thanks in advance for your insights and advice!