Yep, I have the same repore with my ex-boyfriends that we are there for each other when we need someone to lean on. I just think being able to forgive them and be friends; helps me move on with my life. I think staying angry at an ex is just more baggage in my life and I am trying to unload not add more baggage to my life.

I find that its very hard to stay friendly with some one after you split up. I'm not sure why. You would think some one you loved once would make the best friend. I think its too hard to let go and still be friendly.

My divorce was April 2011 so I have a sour taste in my mouth yet from all of that. I have tried to be nice to my ex, but I really connot stand her at the present time, she was really bashing my integrity throughout the process. Right now we are nothing, maybe that will change over time, but won't hurt my feelings if things stay the way they are right now.

It depends on the reason why you broke up or how you broke up. If it was a mutual decision without any hurt or disappointment, then you can be friends.
Otherwise, you can't be friends with someone who has betrayed or hurt you because you won't be able to trust them, even as a friend. You would need at least some time to heal in order to consider their friendship.

this. If it was a 'bad' breakup, probably not. IF it was agreed that there just wasnt enough compatibility and there was a friendship to begine with,,, its easy to continue the friendship

No.

unfortunately, modern culture sees 'friend' as a bad word between those seeking relationships

chances are if people went in feeling friendship was a bad or crippling idea, they wont be able to maintain a friendship when the 'romance' dies,,,,

Yes, and this is why...Something brought you together in the first place...Common interests, chemistry, shared values, intellect, location, friends....Depending on the reason(s) for the breakup and how it was handled by both parties, it is not only possible, but probable....I have done it a few times and I am happy I did...Some of my ex's are now good friends who add a dimension to my life that is more enjoyable the the romantic interest we once shared.....

I am actually currently trying to deal with this issue.
It's definitely not easy. I think it is possible with lots of time, patience, and communication, as with any successful relationship.

It depends on the friendship its self. Its the hardest part of deciding to become more or stay where you are. for the most part you can be friends with EXs but if the girl is a close friend its hard. if she/he is worth a try just go for it. if he or she is ment to be in your life they will be.

I guess it depends on the person. I had a bad break up with my ex-boyfriend as I had him arrested for hitting me. But after a while; I forgave him and we have become friends. For me and him; it was closure so we could move on with our lives.

some can't some can as for me im still friends with my ex bf of 10yrs we still chat now an then but that bout it an i have another friend i tried to be in a relationship with 3yrs ago an we still friends even though he has a new gf but yes some can still stay friends after a reltationship n some can't

I think it’s difficult for men and women to be best friends even when no prior romantic relationship has ever existed due to the fact that if they enjoy each other’s company enough to be best friends, the likelihood of one ending up wishing for the relationship to take a romantic turn if pretty high.

Now add the memories of a romance to the mix and the odds decrease greatly.

I think the only chance of a best friendship with an ex working without one party ending up hurt in the end, is if the break up were completely mutual and neither is likely to end up wanting to re-kindle the romantic relationship down the road. Even then there are risks of one falling back in love with the other at a later time.

not raally for me i it them dang butterfies when we see each other

I am still having a quandary about the question. Honestly, I think were both just horny at the time. Which begs the question of just what you mean by 'best'. Because 'best' when it refers to the man seems different than when it refers to the woman. In one respect we are told that a man's best friend is his dog. If we add that to the equation then no the 'best' friend wasn't at the wedding. Since I was at the wedding and there was already a 'best' man there then where does that put me. Is it to be assumed that since the bride wasn't given the option of having a 'best' woman like I was given the option of having a 'best' man that she was the 'best' woman? And how about that I wasn't given the option of having a 'best' maid? I mean she got to have a 'best' maid. Why wasn't I? I think it would have helped because I can remember when she told me that she wasn't my maid and wasn't going to clean up after me. So does that mean that I was to be my own 'best' maid? See, I think if I was given a 'best' maid it would have taken care of that. Some how I feel that I was cheated. The whole idea of marriage seems screwed up from the start if you ask me. I mean they get 'best' maids but what do you get?

Well, actually yes, 5 years ago, my x-bf and i, had a relationship for 2 years, but here in the philippines wont last for good. but then, we became bestfriends.