You shouldn't go off on your ex.
Mary broke up with her boyfriend and needs to get some things from his apartment.
Mary wants to get her books back from him.
"Mary retrieves the books without saying more than ""hi"" to her ex."
Mary immediately raises her voice and starts demanding that her ex give her her books back.
Mary's ex remembers her fondly as a calm person.
Mary's ex speaks badly of her to their mutual friends.