The emotional complexities of staying friends with exes are laid bare, exploring why many find it tempting yet ultimately unrealistic. Insights reveal how such relationships can hinder healing and personal growth, while lingering emotions complicate new connections. The importance of setting clear boundaries is emphasized, along with the need for closure to foster a healthier emotional landscape. Personal anecdotes provide a candid perspective on shifting views about ex-friendships, advising listeners to prioritize their well-being.
Pursuing friendship with an ex can hinder emotional healing and complicate new relationships due to lingering romantic feelings.
Establishing firm boundaries is essential when navigating an ex-relationship to maintain emotional stability and prevent confusion.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Staying Friends with Exes
Maintaining a friendship with an ex can be challenging, given that romantic feelings often linger even after a breakup. Psychological studies indicate that individuals struggle to transition from a romantic relationship to a platonic one due to lingering attachments that can complicate new relationships. For instance, a study from 2017 highlighted how individuals found it hard to push aside romantic feelings, which often led to obsessive behaviors regarding their ex. This suggests that pursuing a friendship can hinder emotional healing and prevent individuals from fully moving on.
The Perils of Emotional Dependency
Attempting to be friends with an ex can lead to emotional dependency, which complicates the healing process. The need for closure often drives individuals back to their exes, believing that they can find satisfaction in unresolved questions about the relationship. However, relying on an ex for emotional support can perpetuate unresolved feelings and create confusion about the status of the relationship, making it difficult to fully move forward. The inability to establish firm boundaries allows the past relationship dynamics to resurface, often resulting in more pain.
Comparative Relationships and Jealousy
When maintaining a friendship with an ex, the new partners of either individual may experience feelings of insecurity and jealousy. The presence of an ex in the social sphere can lead to lingering comparisons and doubts, potentially sabotaging new relationships. Research corroborates that attachment to an ex can hinder satisfaction in current relationships, as individuals may categorize their new partners as substitutes rather than suitable companions. Navigating the tension created by an ex in one’s life is a significant challenge that can overshadow fresh romantic possibilities.
Constructing Healthy Boundaries
In situations where staying in touch with an ex is unavoidable, establishing healthy boundaries is crucial for emotional stability. It is essential to limit conversations about the past relationship, set physical boundaries, and avoid discussing new partners to prevent confusion over the friendship status. Moreover, reducing direct visibility into each other's lives, such as by adjusting social media connections, can help manage the emotional fallout of lingering attachment. These boundaries can facilitate a neutral relationship based on practical needs, rather than the emotional complexities of a past romantic connection.
A lot of us try to convince ourselves we can be friends with our ex in the immediate aftermath of a breakup, but is that necesserily the best idea? In 2022 I did an episode with my ex-boyfriend talking about how a friendship was totally possible, well since then it is obvious to say that I have changed my mind, and in this episode I give my reasons, including:
Why we (mistakedly) try to stay friends with our exes
The types of relationships where this feels possible
The consequences
How it impacts our new relationships, self esteem, and ability to find closure
How to be friends with an ex if you MUST BE
Essential boundaries for a friendship with your ex
This episode is the only time I have redone/revised an episode so we hope you enjoy.
The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor.