I really enjoyed this and it's such a great topic to write about. Everyone tells me don't talk about your ex when you're on a date. I think it's less about talking about your ex and more if you are at a point where it's angry and bitter talking. I don't see anything wrong with discussing your ex. As you say, it's a part of our stories. But if someone can't do it without intense emotion then they probably aren't ready to date.