Should You Be Friends with Your Ex?

While this is a topic that is always brought up, I think we should throw a bit of an interesting spin on it. Everyone has their own opinions; let me give my ideas to see if this helps you decide what the best course of action for you personally is.

First, you need to stop and really think about why your ex is your ex. If they are abusive, mean, hateful, or downright a horrible person is that someone you really want to be your friend? After all, we all want good and fun loving people for friends right? We should not be worried about a friend always stabbing us in the back. Therefore, if your ex is an ex due to them cheating for example, that is a huge violation of trust. We should be able to trust our friends, with almost anything. After all there are enough dishonest people in the world, our ex should not be one we tolerate easily.

Those with kids do present a bit of a special problem. There is nothing wrong with getting along with your ex, and working together to co-parent your children. However, there is a problem with being so friendly that your children are left with a false sense of hope that you will get together again. Also, consider exactly how does your new girlfriend/boyfriend or wife/husband feels about the relationship with your ex. Some are highly uncomfortable about the situation. There are numerous reasons for this, some ex's just attempt to manipulate things to what they want, and never care about giving anything in return.

Others are exes because they are honestly horrible boyfriends or girlfriends, but are incredible friends. Those are great to still be friends with, as long as you keep your expectations low. You cannot expect this type of person to always be counted on if you are ever in a pinch, but they make a great person to do some shopping, a day at the beach, or to go out to the clubs with.

As you can see there are some circumstances where being friends with an ex are ok, and sometimes even great. However, there are still the times when you should avoid being friends with your ex. Remember that no matter how badly you want to be friends, it does not always work out. As well as there is nothing that always says that being friends is what you should do. The choice is ultimately up to you, and you as well as your ex should both be happy with the final decision.