"I think we would be better as friends", "I hope we can still be friends." I've heard various versions of these statements before. These comments followed prior statements of "I want to see what else is out there" and "this is just not working out." Sometimes I think that even though the guy is being an ass, its their way of saying "please don't hate me . . . although I'm being a complete jerk." I personally have never asked an "ex" to be my friend when I'm breaking up with them. My go-to emotional feeling is that I hate them and never want to see or be reminded of them again.
In reality, however, this is the extreme. I think it depends to on how and why the relationship is ending. To be honest most of my relationships ended for really reasonable, mutual and non-painful reasons…and I am still friends with these guys--I did not have to ask them to be my friend. When there is betrayal or pain, the request of remaining friends is more like the twisting of the knife in the back. I think that if you have to ask to be friends, its not remotely possible…at least not yet. What is your take on this David?
David . . .
As a man, I think ex-couples can be friends. It is easier for us to go backwards. After being intimate, it is sometimes hard for women to slow the relationship gears down. Once again, it still is directly proportional to the negative intensity for the breakup. As men, we are more cut and dry than our counterparts. Not much to say on this subject...... it is what it is. Pretty basic for us men. At least, for me.