by Flor De Mae Sur

Should You Stay Friends with Your Ex?

In our age of social media, it can be easier than ever to stay in touch with your ex, long after you break up. Heck, I still regularly converse with guys I dated back in high school over Facebook. But what about a real life friendship with an ex from not so long ago? After all, you still have a lot in common -- and still travel in the same circles, meaning you're going to run into him regardless. Is it okay to stay friends? Or are you just setting yourself up for future disaster? 

They suggest that first you clearly define what you mean by the word "friend.""Running in the same circles and having things in common does not always equate with friendship," they say. "Remain amicable whenever possible but re-define the relationship so there is no confusion about how you will interact. We recommend staying away from intimate encounters and sharing personal information to avoid any confusion or bad feelings."

And that means setting boundaries from the beginning so you'll be sure to retain a healthy friendship and resist the temptation to backslide into that unhealthy relationship.

"Be friendly but not transparent to avoid any sense of false intimacy," they suggest. "Maintain a distant relationship and stay away from late night phone calls, excessive communication, or cute texting. Avoid anything you used to do when you were a couple."