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Can Exes be friends?: The Most Controversial Opinion Amongst Relationships

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Montclair chapter.

Have you ever bonded with someone and it led to a relationship then for whatever circumstance you had to end it? However, you guys still stayed friends? Then I totally feel you! I met my ex-boyfriend at my community college. We were in the same art class and we bonded really quickly since we both had an interest in art, fashion and other things.

This guy became a big part of my life for eight months until he decided to transfer to the University of Houston. We made a mutual decision that we deserve to experience new people and create new adventures. So in June, we decided to break things off before he departed in August. We still met up with each other to hang out and there really wasn’t ever a day that we didn’t talk. Once the day came, it was still extremely hard for us to let go of this healthy relationship and say goodbye but once again we were still friends so we didn’t completely lose each other.

You might be wondering, how do you break the news to someone you are talking to about your type of situation? Well, I just tell them the truth, “my ex is my best friend.” My ex is a person who I never want to lose because he supported me through certain things I wasn’t sure I could get through and he has all the qualities of a good friend that I want. Rest assured, we both stand by our words and agreements because we respect each other. If my new partner cannot understand that the decision was mutual and trust that both of us aren’t going to make moves, then I guess it isn’t going to work out.

When it comes to relationships, it’s funny sometimes because the solutions to problems are so simple. The main key is just to communicate with your partner and lay it all out on the table from the start. Tell them the red flags you might have and let them decide whether or not they want to be entangled in that.

Overall, you have to communicate with your potential partner and your ex-partner. Not every relationship you end has to end in a negative way. Exes can be friends as long as you both are mature about it and respect each other and your new partner.

Hi my name is Kyra VandenHeuvel and I am an aspiring fashion design and merchandising student at Montclair State University. I will be graduating in the year of 2024! In my free time I like to draw, paint and watch anime. I cannot wait to share my thoughts and observations of the world of fashion and design with you!