How to Be Friends with Your Ex
Heather Thom Breakup Blog How to be friends with your ex

Personally, I think it’s tough to be friends with an ex, but is it possible? Of course, anything is possible. I only recommend it if both parties:

1) Give it Time:

To ensure that the two of you are on the right path to a successful friendship, make sure you allow enough time to fully grieve and get over the breakup. Don’t rush into seeing each other or hanging out again because you miss each other, the other party may still experiencing hurt or anger. This step is crucial and shouldn’t be half-assed.

2) Make Clear Boundaries:

Are you a booty call? Is he yours? Well I hope not because you’re reading a blog about how to be “friends” with your ex, not “How to Be Friends with Benefits with Your Ex”! Make sure your ex understands that your intentions to keep in touch with him are strictly based on a friendship level and that he understands and respects that. If he’s not on board, or suggests “naked sleepovers”, take that as a sign that he’s not worth it and move on.

3) The Chemistry is Dead:

You feel nothing, no damn butterflies or warm fuzzy tingles; not even bitterness or jealousy. I know that this can be hard if, especially you were physically intimate in the past, but trust me, this will come in handy when you see him tongue wrestling with another girl.

4) Be Honest with Your Intentions:

This is the part where you have to be honest with yourself. Do you want to be friends so there is a chance to get back together in the future? Do you have plans to secretly make him fall in love with you again? If no, then great! Proceed on to the friends zone.

5) You Ended on Good Terms:

Were there any death threats? Things being thrown at each other? Stalking of any sort? No? Then I think it’s safe to say that’s a solid foundation to start a friendship. In this case, you ended the relationship respectfully and realized that you’d be better un-coupled.

While this may not work for everyone, maintaining a positive relationship with an ex-partner can actually be quite healthy. For starters, it shows that both parties are mature enough to move on from any past relationship issues and focus on building a new, platonic friendship. Being friends with an ex can also provide an opportunity for closure and emotional healing, allowing both parties to better understand and appreciate each other’s perspectives. Ultimately, as long as both individuals are comfortable with the friendship and respect each other’s boundaries, there is no reason why a post-breakup friendship cannot be a positive and fulfilling experience. Want more advice about your ex? Check out my YouTube playlist! 

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Heather Thom Breakup Counsellor

Hello there, I’m Heather! I’m a Breakup Counsellor and Coach here to help you navigate the messy world of heartbreak with a little bit of sass and a whole lot of love. As a registered counsellor and queen of self-care, I’m all about helping you heal and find your inner Beyoncé (or whoever your spirit icon may be). Let’s get through this breakup together!

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