They can happen for avariety of reasons.
can make the transition from lovers to strangers even tougher.
But relationship experts say pursuingand maintaininga healthy friendship with your ex is challenging under the best of circumstances.
Theres also a difference between being friends and being friendly.
Seeing friendship as a softer landing pad after partnership may inadvertently lead to harder feelings down the line.
If its not possible to have that with your ex, dont pursue friendship, she advises.
relationship expert and former sociologist for Tinder and Bumble
She also recommendsreallyconsidering what youre asking for when extending or accepting an offer of friendship with an ex.
Are you trying to keep the bond intact because youre not ready to let go?
The most important thing, she says is to not offer to be friends if you dont mean it.
Do: Give yourself time
Time may not healallwounds, but it can certainly soften them.
Even if you want to maintain a friendship, your ex has every right to reject that offer.
Kays recommends deciding this ahead of time.
Part of setting healthy boundaries is redefining this persons role in a platonic context.
And remember that this goes both ways.
Dont slot your former partner, now friend, into their previous role just without the romance.
relationship expert and former sociologist for Tinder and Bumble
Instead, interact in a way that wont bring up old and potentially painful memories or resurface old habits.
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