Is it possible to be friends with someone you dated

Think about how you can support each other as friends instead of as romantic partners. Embrace your differences. Fundamentally different world views or different lifestyles can cause a breakup. Now that you're just friends, you can appreciate these differences more. Now you're free to embrace the positives of having a friend who's different from you instead of worrying about your romantic compatibility.

Call it off if you're feeling bad. It's okay to take a step back sometimes. Stay aware of your feelings as you pursue a friendship. If things feel strained and you feel sad or drained when hanging out, it's okay to slow things down. Say something like, "Hey, I'm still feeling a little sad when we hang out. Let's stick to long distance communication for another week or two. If they're struggling with the idea of staying friends, respect any requests they make for space. Manage feelings of lingering attraction.

It's normal to still feel attracted to someone after a breakup, but don't try to feed into these feelings. It's hard to stay just friends if you're still having sex or being physically intimate. Some exes are able to maintain a physical relationship, or be friends with benefits, after a period of time.

However, it's often a bad idea to pursue lingering attraction in the direct aftermath of a relationship. Method 3. Stay respectful of one another. Boundaries are key to any friendship and are often more important with delicate relationships. You and your ex need to stay respectful of each other's boundaries over time. Make sure you're not breaking any rules in regards to contact, and let your ex know what you need from them. For example, say something like, "I know I didn't want to discuss your dating life at first, but I feel more comfortable with that now.

I'd be fine if you wanted to talk about it. Get family members and friends on board. It's easier to be friends with an ex if your own friends and family are on board, especially mutual friends. Let people know that the two of you are still friends and it's okay to invite you to the same events.

Make sure people know there is no need to feel weird or uncomfortable when you and your ex are in the same room. For example, say something like, "I'm okay being friends with my ex, but I'm not ready to meet their new partner. I'd appreciate not being invited to events their partner is attending.

Make sure new partners are comfortable with the friendship. A new romantic relationship can complicate your relationship with your ex. Let your partner know that you and your ex used to date.

Make sure your partner understands the relationship is over and the two of you are just friends now. End the friendship if you're unable to manage your emotions.

If you find the relationship is not working, it's okay to walk away. You may find you and your ex argue when you get together. You may be the one putting in all the effort while your ex is ignoring you. If the relationship is simply draining, it's okay to let it go. Not everyone can stay friends with their ex. Yes, but make sure you're both ready. Before you can be friends with your ex, you need to both move on enough for it to genuinely be a friendship.

Think about whether you really want to be friends, or if there's something more to wanting to stay close to them.

It's also important to set boundaries, especially if one of you is in a new relationship. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If things ended mutually or positively, then the chances of staying friends is higher. It may not be worth it to pursue a friendship if the relationship ended badly. Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0. Related wikiHows How to. How to. About This Article. Co-authored by:. Co-authors: Updated: May 6, Categories: Dating and Friends.

In other languages Deutsch: Wieder Freunde werden wenn man miteinander ausgegangen ist. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read , times. More reader stories Hide reader stories. Did this article help you? Cookies make wikiHow better.

By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Corin Parris Aug 11, Donna Cann Mar 30, Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories. Every kiss is not a promise, but it helps if the focus earlier on is on intellectual and emotional intimacy. This dynamic between physical intimacy and emotional intimacy also means you will be leaving the relationship with that much more baggage; and this makes staying friends with your former date or boyfriend that much more complicated.

Being physical is an intimate thing and your ex's new girlfriend is not going to be thrilled about having you around if she knows that something more has been shared. Not only that, being friends with someone you are physically attracted to is hard enough without having memories of the physical relationship you once shared. Nobody likes to be left hanging or wondering what led to the relationship ending.

Women and men alike have been on the end of dating situation where a lack of a call back has left them hanging and uncertain for days. This is no way to make friends. There is nothing more awkward than showing up at a social event to see that date you never got back to. Do you say something? We all are looking for the same basic thing in dating—someone to love and spend our lives with. By committing to build more friendships and less enemies in the dating scene, I think both women and men would feel less pressure on dates and have a lot more fun.

Photo Credit: Erynn Christine Photography. Or, six reasons why casual dating is actually kind of amazing. These people make dating fun, make life an adventure, and never give up on you.

Don't give in to the 'cuffing' mentality—these tips will help you survive and thrive this dating season. Ever wondered what makes your sensitive, analytical friend tick?

I have an idea that just might change our dire dating scene and improve life for married couples, too. Home Relationships. A date is just a date. Common courtesy goes a long way. By Monica Gabriel Marshall.