Probably overthinking this, but...

[FairyAtTheBottomOfTheGarden]

... when I ended my 5 year relationship we stayed friends and went to each others houses still with zero physical contact, just watching TV & chatting.
Six months later and I've met someone. It's very early days but feels pretty special. I don't feel right spending time with the ex any more but need your help on how to put a stop to this without being a bitch or losing his friendship completely. .. any ideas please?

It’s a tricky one but absolute openness and truth to your ex with what you have said here is the only way. Don’t minimise it or colour the truth just be honest.

@litterbird

It’s a tricky one but absolute openness and truth to your ex with what you have said here is the only way. Don’t minimise it or colour the truth just be honest.

100% this. Just be open. Perhaps it’s time for him to find new friends or partner and move forward.

It sounds like you're both clutching on to a wierd friendship rather than having a clean break. Tell him you're dating and gradually wean yourselves off this co dependency.

*Weird

So it was ok when you were single to be friends with your ex but the moment you have someone new your willing to drop your friendship with your ex

No, I still want to be friends, just not in a 1 to 1 situation in each others houses

Sorry, that was supposed to be a reply to RodneyIsDave

The rest of you are right, I just need to be brave and honest I guess...

Afraid I don't think there's much of a way to drop your unfortunate ex without it being clear he was only useful company until you found a better prospect.

No, I still want to be friends, just not in a 1 to 1 situation in each others houses

You could suggest different venues, introduce him to your new OH as a friend, or if your ex needs an explanation as to why you want to do things differently now, just say you feel seeing him at his is inappropriate now you have a steady partner.

Be honest with the ex and your new partner. Tell the ex you're dating someone seriously, tell the partner you're still friends with your ex. I'd introduce them to each other too.

I don't actually think going to your ex's house one-on-one is inappropriate, any more than going to any other mate's house to watch TV is inappropriate. But in a new relationship you're just naturally going to have less time to do that. So that's the way you cut it down/out - you're filling your time with a new partner. I don't think you need to make any sort of grand statement about it, once you tell the ex you have a new BF he can put two and two together.

@inininsomnia

Afraid I don't think there's much of a way to drop your unfortunate ex without it being clear he was only useful company until you found a better prospect.

Sorry OP, this was a bit mean of me - but of you're genuinely friends, I don't see why you have to cut off visiting his house.

Sorry OP, this was a bit mean of me - but of you're genuinely friends, I don't see why you have to cut off visiting his house

@inininsomnia Some boyfriends wouldn't be happy with it but maybe only controlling ones IDK.

Questions
Why did you end things
Was he on board with it or not
Does he want to be friends or would he want more
Are you letting him think there is hope