Kareena Kapoor Khan spoke about her relationship timeline with her husband Saif Ali Khan (Source: Instagram/Kareena Kapoor Khan)When families grow and change, dynamics can become layered, especially after divorce, remarriage, and blended households. In the finale episode of Koffee With Karan Season 6, Kareena Kapoor Khan spoke about her relationship timeline with her husband, Saif Ali Khan, clarifying that she had no overlap with his past. The host Karan Johar asked, “You keep the balance with Amrita as well? Do you, kind of, talk to each other at all?”To which Kareena replied, “No, but I have utmost respect and regard for her… we’ve never met. Also, I met Saif, which was, you know, many years after he got divorced, so it was not on anyone’s time, he was clearly single,” she said.So, in blended families, is it necessary or beneficial for a current spouse to meet or build a relationship with their partner’s former spouse, especially when children are involved?Counselling psychologist Athul Raj tells indianexpress.com, “It isn’t always necessary, but when children are involved, even the smallest gestures matter. Children carry the weight of how adults behave around each other. If the current and former spouse can share a room without visible tension, it takes away the silent burden children often feel of keeping the peace.” That doesn’t mean forcing a friendship — authenticity is more important than performance. Sometimes civility is enough. When there are no children in the picture, there is rarely a need to initiate contact at all. The guiding question should be: Does this make family life calmer, or does it stir up conflict?Some healthy boundaries couples can maintain when it comes to acknowledging or not engaging with ex-partnersRaj mentions that boundaries work best when they are clearly spoken, not left to assumption. Couples can agree on what kind of contact feels respectful–whether it’s limited to logistical parenting updates, or occasional conversations when needed. Transparency with each other prevents suspicion. At the same time, he adds that boundaries also mean not dragging the past into the present: avoiding comparisons, not revisiting old stories, and refusing to let the ex become an invisible third person in the marriage. “Seeing the ex as part of a larger family system, rather than a rival, helps keep perspective. Boundaries, ultimately, are about protecting the intimacy of the relationship you are building now.”Story continues below this adFor children of divorced parents, how does the relationship (or lack thereof) between their parent’s new spouse and their other parent affect their emotional stability?Children pick up on atmosphere more than words. Raj says, “Hostility, avoidance, or even a cold silence between adults creates pressure–they may feel guilty, as if their affection for one parent betrays the other. On the other hand, even small acts of civility, like sharing space during milestones or offering a simple greeting, are profoundly reassuring. They signal that love does not have to be divided.”“A close friendship between adults is not necessary, but visible disrespect is deeply unsettling. Children feel most stable when they are free to love both parents without fear of judgment or loyalty conflicts,” concludes the expert.