By Shinead Cooke

 

Ok, so there are generally two sides to this argument...those that say "No Way!! They are an ex for a reason!" and those that say "Hey, we had fun, why not stay friends"...I'm gonna give you your top 5 reasons of why you should stay friends with an ex...well try to anyway! Unless your ex is a total douchebag in which case, kick 'em to the curb and delete them from your life!

 

But if they're not Spawns of Satan, then feel free to read more and find out what a friendship with your ex has in store...

 

1. Social Life: So, depending on how long you were together, the likilihood is that you have shared the same friends, the same cool hotspots in town, the same hangouts etc etc...why sacrifice all of that (aka your whole social life!) just because you don't date your boy/girl anymore? Staying friends with an ex makes your social scene soooo much easier to navigate, and lets face it, your friends won't be moaning in your ear that you've split up the group.

 

2. Belongings: It's sods law that there'll always be that CD, DVD, dress, pair of socks, jumper, piece of jewellery that you LOVE that you left and your ex's place...or left in their car or at their aunt's bach or somewhere you'll never be able to get to unless you stay friends with them! So do yourself and your belongings a favour and stay friends! That way you'll know you'll always get your stuff back.

 

3. Support: Yes, things may have ended sadly and yes, there may have been tears, but your old partner/new ex is potentially one of the people who knows you best in the whole world. You shared your secrets, you sat up all night talking, you lived in each others pockets, that sounds like an awesome friendship to me...why kick that to the curb just because you can't be in a relationship anymore? Look at your ex as a potential BFF who comes pre-packaged with the knowledge that you know you could never jump into bed with them cos you already did and it didn't work out! Perfect...

 

4. Spying: We've all done it, no need to pretend like you haven't cos I know you have! Facebook and Google have led to all kinds of spying and stalking online and all kinds of "No he didn't?!" when you see the photo of your ex and HER, the dreaded new girlfriend, yuk! Well trust me, the yuk factor is waaaaaay less yuk if you actually stay friends with your ex and meet the new girlfriend or boyfriend face to face. Surprisingly, you might actually be kinda happy for them! And you might find an extra new friend in their new partner. Sounds wierd I know, but it does and can happen, so be open to possibilities cos internet spying and any kinda spying can be soooo painful and nasty and actually getting the details on the happs there and then is so much better and heaps easier.

 

5. Peace: Is there anyone out there who actually likes hating people and feeling anger towards someone? That just takes way too much energy and makes me feel so down and depressed and nasty. So to keep the peace, your own peace in your own head and the peace just, like, everywhere! Just stay buddies ok? It makes life soooo much easier and happier and lets face it, you have more important things to worry about like friends and family and kids and what to wear this Friday night and what to cook for dinner this weekend and having a bath and finishing that amazing book...life is too short and too important to waste it being angry and bitter towards an ex.

 

WARNING: if your ex is EVIL ignore all of the above!