Reality AV; Three Good Reasons For Staying Friends With Your Ex

Let’s be real: staying friends with an ex is one of those topics that instantly splits a room. Some swear by the clean break. Others find comfort and connection in keeping that line open. But if you’re considering friendship with someone you used to love, there are a few things worth thinking about — starting with why you’re doing it.

Here are three good reasons to stay friends with an ex — as long as you’re both emotionally ready and doing it for the right reasons

1. You Were Friends Before You Dated

If your romantic relationship grew out of a solid friendship, there’s a chance that bond can survive the breakup. You already had trust, shared values, and a genuine connection before things turned romantic — and that doesn’t just vanish when the relationship ends.

In cases like this, the friendship might be worth salvaging. Just make sure both of you are clear on boundaries and that you’re not secretly holding on for more than friendship. Emotional honesty (on both sides) is everything..

2. Why Does He  Want to Stay Friends?

It’s easy to focus on your own feelings, but it’s just as important to ask: Why does your ex want to keep this friendship alive?

Some common reasons:

• Security – You’re familiar and comforting, and he’s not ready to fully let go.
• Practicality – Maybe you work together, share a social circle, or co-parent.
• Civility – He just wants things to end on good terms, no drama.
• Unresolved Feelings – This one can get tricky. Sometimes a desire for friendship is really about holding onto hope.

Understanding his motivations helps you protect your own emotional space. If he’s looking for something you’re not offering (or vice versa), that’s a sign to reassess.

3. Why Do You Want to Stay Friends?

This is where you get real with yourself.

Are you hoping he’ll come back around? Are you afraid of losing someone who once meant everything? Or is the idea of a clean break just too emotionally overwhelming right now?

Wanting to stay friends isn’t automatically wrong — but it should come from a place of strength, not fear. If you’re using the friendship as a placeholder, a band-aid, or a way to avoid pain, it might be healthier to take a step back and give yourself the emotional space to heal.

Final Thought: Clarity Over Comfort

Friendship with an ex can absolutely work — but only when both people are clear about what they want, and why. A good post-breakup friendship should feel emotionally balanced, supportive, and free of romantic confusion.

If you’re thinking about texting him back, ask yourself: Am I looking for comfort, or clarity? Your answer will tell you what kind of friendship (if any) you’re really ready for.