If you were to ask me, yes. But, fortunately, you don't get advice from me!
The idea of ??a partner still maintaining friendly relations with an ex can cause insecurity and doubts. Questions such as: “Is it really a pure friendship?” or “Are there still unresolved feelings?” are common and often bring a sense of unease.
Emotional reaction: Why does it happen?
According to psychologist Sabrina Romanoff, it's very normal to feel uncomfortable when you learn that your partner is still in contact with their ex. This is because there's a lot of uncertainty about the nature of the relationship - what their goals are, what kind of closeness they maintain, and what might happen in the future.
Another reason why this situation can seem troubling is that most people cannot conceive of friendship between ex-partners, especially if there was no genuine friendship before the romantic relationship. Past romantic and intimate experiences do not completely disappear and can easily be rekindled if two people become close again.
Why do some people stay friends with their ex?
In some cases, maintaining a friendly relationship with an ex may have a practical reason. They may share important memories, mutual friends, pets, or even children, making contact between them mandatory.
However, not everyone accepts this idea. For some, maintaining contact with an ex is seen as unhealthy for a relationship. Some people believe that the longer such a friendship lasts, the more the stability of the current relationship is at risk. According to this view, there is a fear that a friendship with an ex can lead to hidden thoughts or feelings that could at some point become a source of conflict.
How to assess the situation?
Before drawing conclusions, it is important to analyze the dynamics between your partner and their ex. Some questions that can help you understand the situation are:
• How long have they been in a relationship?
• Were they friends before they became romantically involved?
• Do they share children, pets, or mutual friends?
• How did their relationship end?
• How long has it been since the breakup?
If the relationship between them ended without drama or unresolved feelings and the current relationship is distant, then there may be no reason for concern. On the other hand, if the ex continues to be a constant presence in the partner's life, then a discussion is needed.
Ultimately, every relationship has its own internal rules, and the best way to handle this issue is through open communication and honesty between partners.
Sources: Verywell Mind
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