How to Stay Friends With Your Exes? 7 Tried & Trusted Tips
Breaking up with someone you once loved and cared for can be one of the most challenging life situations. It is not easy to let someone go with whom you shared your deepest secrets, joyous memories, and everything. However, moving on from a toxic relationship or a breakup is necessary for mental peace and happiness. While some people cut all ties with their exes, others try to stay friends. However, the question is, is it possible to remain friends with your exes? The answer is yes. But it requires some effort, patience, and honesty.
Pixabay / Pexels / With patience and honesty, staying friends with your exes is actually possible!
In this article, we will share some tried and tested tips on how to stay friends with your exes.
Give Each other Enough Space
The first and foremost thing to do after a breakup is to give each other some space. Let yourself and your ex-partner breathe and reflect on the relationship. Do not contact each other for some time.
Cotton Bro / Pexels / To stay friends with your exes, make sure to give each other space.
It will help you to think and evaluate the situation. During this time, process your emotions, and give yourself time to heal and move forward.
Be Honest
Honesty is crucial to any human relationship, and it is vital when it comes to staying friends with your exes. Be honest about your feelings and why you want to stay friends.
Talk to your ex and clarify your intentions, be it friendship or anything else. If your ex-partner is not on board with staying friends, respect their decision and move on.
Set Pristinely Clear Boundaries
Boundaries are essential for any relationship, and they become even more crucial when you are friends with your exes. Establish clear boundaries, such as:
- Say no romantic talks
- No late-night calls anymore
- Stay away from flirty behavior
Keira / Pexels / If you want to stay friends with your ex, make sure to set clear boundaries.
In the long run, this will help you avoid any confusion or temptation. Be respectful of your ex-partner’s feelings. And expect the same from them.
Avoid Talking about Your New Relationship
If either of you is in a new relationship, avoid talking about it to your ex. It can cause jealousy, discomfort, and awkwardness. You will not want your new partner to talk about your ex all the time.
So, make an effort to refrain from bringing up your new relationship in front of your ex-partner.
Accept the Friendship May not Work
Friendships are not guaranteed to work, and friendships with exes can be even more complicated. You or your ex-partner may still have lingering feelings, or the friendship might not work out due to other reasons.
Be prepared for any outcome. And do not force the friendship if it does not feel right. Remember, not being friends does not mean harboring hate or animosity toward each other.
Be Supportive
Being supportive is crucial in any friendship. And it is even more important when you are friends with your ex. Listen to their problems, offer emotional support, and celebrate their achievements. A healthy friendship requires effort and care from both sides.
Take it Slow
The key to staying friends with your exes is to take it slow. Rushing into a friendship too quickly can result in jealousy, regret, or anger. Start by talking once in a while, hanging out with mutual friends, or grabbing a cup of coffee. Slowly build the foundation of a friendship based on mutual respect and care.