Quote: This is not a person in their lives.
I exist. You exist. They exist. We all circle back on each other because we all have our concerns, thoughts and opinions. That's the way of it. Pretending people "shouldn't be affected" is actually harmful. It's the lack of consideration/not checking in. Which can circle back on you when overlooked. I assure you, I have the experience on this account.
Quote: Sometimes people only want you back when you have a new person.
It can seem that way. This is actually touching on topics like jealousy. But then we have to take into account why such jealousy happens in the first place. Unintended neglect perhaps? People can get caught up in other events with other people and lose sight of that. It's more about "being involved" then "Who else is". Some people refuse to even discuss it. Which naturally leads to harm because of the lack of communication. In regards to "When people are in the middle". I want to point out that I have more experience in this situation. With successful resolutions. As well as... bad pants down out of the blue situations. Which can be traumatic when not keeping each other informed/updated. Labels are never an excuse. Pretend someone isn't affected and it's on you if their concerns were overlooked and wasn't discussed. On them too if they didn't talk sooner rather then later. There's nothing to lose by keeping each other informed/updated. Everything is at risk if people pretend "It shouldn't affect you" when it actually does. Corrections can work out oversights. But... Some people will just "act in the right". If it's not clear which is more likely to keep you in mind it's people that consider how they affect you.
And if you weren't taken into consideration... what's your reason to do anything the other person wants? An ounce of thought for an ounce of thought?
Quote: The prefix "ex" says it all.
Yes. What's your point here? They're still a person that's been affected by the situation. Do you think exes just magically stop existing just because people go through hard times? I assure you that's not the case. Let's just say I've had a few of my own. Not necessarily a bad thing.
Quote: or realized that no "right" answers are to be found here
Probably this one. Still think it's important to reflect, ask and learn though.