Is it possible to be friends with an ex?

[Flutterbye22]

Keen to know your opinions.

I personally find it incredibly hard.

3 significant exes and I'm friends with all of them. My most recent, just under a year since we split, has been a major support to me recently. We get the best of each other without the relationship shit getting in the way.

Many do. It's specific to the individuals and the situation, and, like all healthy friendships, very nuanced and personal. It's like saying 'Is it possible to have a dog as a pet'. It's very common, but that doesn't mean that you can do it in your one-bedroomed flat, or that you could have any breed you want in your 2 bedroomed garden flat. Some people can have some dogs. Some people can be friends with some exes.

Yes, I had a couple of exes at my wedding and see them fairly often. Love them, and their partners and kids, dearly. Happy memories of a time long ago, while knowing it wouldn’t work out now.

Another moved to Australia when we broke up so no contact since. The other one hates me. But yes, of course it’s possible.

My high school boyfriend who was my first love, yes. Been friends more than half our lives. He came to my wedding and I'd have gone to his if not for pregnancy and peak pandemic. We live in different countries now and have both become parents quite late so have loved sharing that journey. His partner is a lot like me and we get along easily when we are together.

My ex husband who I thought was my soulmate and broke my heart just before our 10 year anniversary? No. Not friends. We aren't unfriendly and wish each other well but being friends would be too painful, even now with us both being settled and happy.