Look, I get it. The end of a relationship brings a whirlwind of emotions, and in the aftermath, the question of whether to stay friends with your ex might be lingering in your mind. That said, if your ex cheated on you or otherwise treated you poorly, the idea of being friendly with them shouldn’t even be on the table. Listen to THIS podcast episode on that topic.

In a situation where the relationship wasn’t super toxic, the idea of maintaining a friendship may seem appealing, but let’s explore why taking a step back could be the healthiest choice for you.

1. You Deserve Emotional Space: Right now, you need emotional space to heal and rediscover who you are outside the context of the relationship. Staying friends with your ex might impede this process by keeping the emotional wounds fresh.
2. Breakup Baggage Can Weigh You Down: Relationships come with baggage, and the breakup baggage is no exception. Staying friends means carrying this baggage forward, potentially hindering your ability to move on and find new, fulfilling connections.
3. Old Patterns Might Resurface: Let’s face it – you and your ex have a history, and it includes certain patterns of behavior. Staying friends could inadvertently lead to falling back into old habits, hindering personal growth for both of you.
4. New Relationships Could Suffer: If you’re looking to explore new relationships, staying friends with your ex might send mixed signals. It can create unnecessary complications and hinder the potential for genuine connections with others.
5. Unresolved Feelings Might Linger: Breakups often leave a trail of unresolved feelings. Staying friends might inadvertently extend the emotional limbo, preventing you from gaining closure and moving forward.
6. Jealousy Can Rear Its Ugly Head: Witnessing your ex move on can stir up unexpected emotions, leading to jealousy and resentment. Staying friends could expose you to these toxic feelings, hindering your own emotional well-being.
7. It Might Be a One-Sided Friendship: Staying friends post-breakup often involves a delicate balance. If one of you still harbors romantic feelings, the friendship becomes inherently imbalanced, potentially leading to hurt and disappointment.
8. Your Independence Matters: Reclaiming your independence is crucial after a breakup. Staying friends might unintentionally tether you to the past, hindering your ability to thrive on your own terms.
9. Personal Growth Might Take a Backseat: Breakups are opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. Staying friends may prevent you from fully embracing these opportunities as you navigate the complexities of your past connection.
10. Closure Can Be Elusive: True closure often requires distance and time. Staying friends might provide a semblance of connection, but it can mask the absence of genuine closure, leaving emotional wounds unhealed.

While the idea of remaining friends with your ex may hold a certain allure, it’s essential to consider the potential pitfalls. Sometimes, the healthiest choice is to step away, allowing both parties the space needed to heal, grow, and embark on new chapters independently. Your emotional well-being is paramount, and if staying friends feels like it could compromise that, it might be time to prioritize your own journey to healing and self-discovery.

Instead of trying to be “friends” with your ex, focus on healing and moving forward instead with THIS BREAKUP BOOK. Give it time to get the clarity you need… and then you may just be surprised that being friends becomes the last thing on your mind. Patience, time, and prioritizing YOUR well-being is key!

Connect with breakup coach, Trina Leckie, on Instagram & TikTok.