And even more important? Schedule your first hangouts in public. Only One Person Actually Wants To Be Friends This one is actually super common.

The only way to do that is to distance yourself from your ex. Images: Fotolia; Giphy 7. What's a significant other, if not an extremely close friend that you sleep with?

- But what happens when the door between you and an ex remains open? Images: Fotolia; Giphy 7.

Saying goodbye to an ex and their companionship is extremely hard, which is why most people like the idea of remaining friends post-breakup. But, given your shared history, remaining friends with your ex is a tricky thing. So how do you stay friends with your ex? Below are tips on how to build a friendship with your ex that is filled with mutual respect and platonic adoration, and little awkwardness. Give the breakup some time. Remaining friends with someone who smashed your heart into itty bitty pieces is no easy feat. During this time apart, completely disengage with them online and in real life. Is it for closure, or are you hoping to get back together? Clarifying your motives behind the friendship will determine whether or not staying friends with your ex is actually a good, and healthy, thing for you to do. Be prepared for either response. See your ex in daylight hours only. Be the opposite of vampires and only meet when the sun is up. Treat them with respect and communicate only when you need to. Be a friend, not an ex. Also, it goes without saying: no flirting or dressing provocatively or referring to previous sexual relations. Above all, have fun! Enjoy and be grateful for the connection you two share. Be happy for their new relationship. When this happens, be as gracious and supportive as you would be for any other of your friends. Take to heart that his or her new relationship is actually a huge sign that your friendship is working.

If you want to start a friendship with an ex in the hopes that you will get back together, then you are con not ready to be friends. Everyone's circumstances are different, and it's possible that your ex found a new significant other. No touching, no cutesy emails. Once the break up been accepted by both parties to separate their lives from each other, the point of being friends with each other will recall the past. Perhaps your ex is the only one who can truly nail a Dave Chappelle impression or the only one who understands just how accomplished you felt when you got your first raise. I must not be normal. And on responsible terms. Remember to be aware of the fact thatand it happened staying friends with ex a reason.