There are four major reasons behind why people choose to stay friends: security, practical reasons, civility, and unresolved attraction. People who still had unresolved romantic desires were less likely to feel secure and happy in a friendship with their ex, the study found.

Is it possible for exes to be friends?

Being friends with an ex is possible if your intentions are pure. Being friends with a former partner is something many of us neither want or feel is possible, but with the right communication it can work. Comparatively, those relationships based on security produced the highest-quality friendships.

How long does it take for exes to be friends?

That being said, if you really want to try to be friends, the best thing you can do is be intentional about the progression. Galt suggests waiting a minimum of three months after the breakup, so you have time to let your feelings evolve.