Can Exes Be Friends: Everything You Need to Consider

exes Weena Cullins relationship

By Camille Hutchison , Parent Herald Oct 22, 03:51 pm

Basically, exes can be friends, however, it still depends on the situation as well as the people involved. Approximately 37 percent determine that they are friends with one or some but not others. According to YouGov, men are more likely to be friends with at least one of their ex-partners, with a percentage of 40-51 percent.

Around a third (37%) say they are friends with one or some, but not others. Men are more likely than women to say they are friends with at least one of their ex-partners, by 51% to 40%. More than half of women (56%) say they are not friends with any of their exes, compared to 45% of men.

44 percent say that they are okay being friends with their ex if they are the ones who had ended the relationship and 33 percent prefer not to be due to personal reasons and only 24 percent remain unsure. However, the data published on YouGov shows that there is a possibility that the sparks will be rekindled and many individuals worry if their partner remains intimate with their ex.

Is being a friend with an ex a good idea?

Some chose to remain friends with their former lovers as they treat such individuals as already part of their lives while considering the fact that the relationship itself is healthy. However, many chose not to be friends with their ex if they got hurt during the relationship, and only gave them massive pain. Also, they prefer not to be if there is any difficulty or any complications.

Weena Cullins, LCMFT (Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist) told the outlet that two people often don't work as romantic partners, hence, there are aspects of a relationship that treat as something valuable and can only be healthily maintained through a friendship. Adding that being friends with an ex can be a good idea but not a great one as there are also things to consider before being friends with your ex.

Cullins told the outlet that if the two former partners decided to make better business partner, workout buddies, and friends, and has healthy boundaries, then establishing a friendship could work but bear in mind that such things do not always happen which means, what could work for others might not work for you, per Mind Body Green.

The romantic attraction has already faded

One of the important things to consider is the relationship before the two of you have decided to end things. The breakup does not have to be something really great but at least it should have at least been civil enough to consider friendship. The two of you are still the same person who knows you very well however, it is very limited due to established boundaries.

Before being friends with an ex, make sure that the reason for the break up was not due to more serious reasons as the friendship will also turn toxic. People do change but it can still be hard to determine if your ex has truly changed, nevertheless, still keep an open heart but never return to a situation that can endanger you.

Moreover, do not try to guilt yourself and forcibly multiply think if you're still into your ex as it will be hard for you. Ensure that you are not attracted to your ex anymore before actually diving into a platonic friendship, Healthline says.