DEAR MISS MANNERS: There seems to be an idea (mentioned by others and presented in books and movies) that one's new spouse or partner must be introduced to one's ex-spouse/ex-partner. The implication is that the ex's approval of the new romance is necessary.
Unless the exes share children, I am puzzled as to why a new beginning needs to be presented to the past and accepted. Is this always a requirement? Is it unacceptable to proceed with a new relationship if one does not have an ex's blessing?
GENTLE READER: Were this indeed a requirement, it would significantly cut into the second marriage market.
Miss Manners thought that the point of a divorce was to eliminate the requirement that two people agree, after they realize that they cannot.
That said, many people find that some social contact with their ex-partners is either desirable or inescapable. In such cases, a formal introduction will be unavoidable, and may reflect the warmth (or lack thereof) of the relationship with the ex-partner.