A North Side bar is bringing its version of the hit Bravo show "Date My Ex" to local Chicago singles who want to trade in their former partners for someone new.
At Sheffield's Bar, men and women can show up with an ex and try to "trade up," NBC5's Natalie Martinez reported. Meanwhile, the former partners share crucial relationship knowledge of ex-boyfriends and girlfriends, passing it along to a worthy potential partner.
"At one point, you liked them," said Rick Ness, the bar's owner. "Presumably, somebody else is going to like them also. And, if you're still friends, why not? You want the best for that person."
The men and women each get a sticker with opposing letters, and if someone finds your former partner cute, the person finds the opposite letter, so the interested person can ask questions about the other's former boyfriend or girlfriend. One former couple, Travis and Nichole, showed up to last month's event not expecting much.
"It was kind of a spur-of-the-moment deal," Travis said.
"He's a great guy and a good catch -- if you want to deal with not seeing someone for months on end," Nichole said.
Best-selling author and lifestyles expert Judith Wright isn't convinced the concept works, but she does believe that single people could benefit from more numbers in their little black books, no matter how they acquire them.
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"I'm leaning toward no, but anything can work if you know what to look for," she said. "I do think ... others who know you can help you find someone -- arranged marriages are a good example."
The trick is being comfortable enough with your ex to put their best food forward. Nichole, for instance, admitted that she wanted to get back with her former boyfriend.
"He's very funny -- very silly," she said.
Wright adds that while chemistry is important while looking for your next partner, character also counts, Martinez reported.