logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2024
41m 4s

247. Can we be friends with our ex?

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

A lot of us try to convince ourselves we can be friends with our ex in the immediate aftermath of a breakup, but is that necesserily the best idea? In 2022 I did an episode with my ex-boyfriend talking about how a friendship was totally possible, well since then it is obvious to say that I have changed my mind, and in this episode I give my reasons, including: 

  • Why we (mistakedly) try to stay friends with our exes 
  • The types of relationships where this feels possible 
  • The consequences 
  • How it impacts our new relationships, self esteem, and ability to find closure
  • How to be friends with an ex if you MUST BE 
  • Essential boundaries for a friendship with your ex

This episode is the only time I have redone/revised an episode so we hope you enjoy. 

 

PREORDER MY BOOK: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/755841/person-in-progress-by-jemma-sbeg/ 

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com 

 

The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor. 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Nov 21
356. How to survive a breakup in your 20s
<p>Going through a breakup is always going to be devastating. Heartbreak is one of the most gut-wrenching human experiences: it affects our brain, our body, our routines, our identity, and our sense of the future. Why does it hurt so much, and how do we actually get through it?</ ... Show More
46 m
Nov 18
355. Why don't I enjoy sex that much?
<p>Our 20s are sold to us as the decade of peak desire - full of passion, spontaneity, and effortless intimacy. But for so many of us, that isn&rsquo;t the reality. When libido dips or fluctuates, it can feel confusing, isolating, and even shameful. In this episode, we ask why it ... Show More
34m 29s
Nov 16
354. How to break a toxic habit
<p>We all have habits we wish we could change - patterns we repeat even when we know they&rsquo;re hurting us. So why is it so hard to stop? In this episode, we explore the psychology behind toxic habits. How they form, why they become automatic, and what they&rsquo;re actually d ... Show More
34m 41s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2024
Can You Be Friends with Your Ex?
Are you open to just being friends with an ex? Do you think they want the same kind of friendship? Today, Jay’s diving into a question we've all probably wrestled with at some point: can you really stay friends with an ex? He kicks things off by laying down some ground rules, poi ... Show More
25m 17s
May 2022
#298 - Can You Be Friends With Your Ex?
Should you be friends with your ex? After a divorce or breakup, being friends with an ex can seem appealing, especially if you're co-parenting. Making the transition from partners to pals is possible. But without radical self-honesty and clear intentions, it can be challenging — ... Show More
52m 56s
Jun 2022
#brunchtalk: Can you stay friends with an ex?
<p>When the relationship ends and a platonic friendship is on the table....could it work or is it better to remove this person from your life? On this week&#39;s brunch talk we&#39;re talking about if you can stay friends with an ex, what boundaries need to be in place, and how t ... Show More
22m 52s
Nov 2024
#228: Dear Mary, should I stay friends with my ex?
<p>Dear Mary,</p> <p>I would love some of your wisdom in relation to my ex.</p> <p>Things fell apart for reasons that are complicated and awful. But we tried to remain friends. I feel I made an effort, I kept messaging, I asked him about his life, I organized a catch up. I still ... Show More
13m 52s
Jun 2025
126. For You: Living Proof That You Can Heal From Your Ex
This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/notforeveryone⁠⁠⁠⁠ today to get 10% off your first month.Check out the Fits Everybody Collection at ⁠⁠https://www.skims.com/notforeveryone⁠⁠ #skimspartner__Well babies, we’ve come full circle. Or, at least, Caroline a ... Show More
1h 15m
Sep 2024
Friendship breakups + what we wish for each other
This week we read an article from The Cut called ‘Why Are Friendship Breakups So Brutal’ and we want to talk about it. We share our perspectives on friendship breakups, why they hurt more than romantic breakups, and ghosting friends vs trying to work on the friendship. And then w ... Show More
41m 34s
Jul 2023
Breakups: Exes & Woes
Can I be friends with my ex? What if he gets a new girlfriend before I’m dating someone else? In this week’s episode, we get personal & share some helpful truth to get you through those nasty breakups. Stay tuned for one more episode in our breakup series & as always, dm with qu ... Show More
52m 51s
Aug 8
154: What You NEED To Know About Being Friends with An Ex, FWB and Dating A Friend
<div>In this episode of the Sabrina Zohar Show, Sabrina explores the complexities of non-platonic friendships, diving into the truth behind friends with benefits, situationships, and the challenges of dating a close friend. Sabrina shares her personal experiences, backed by resea ... Show More
39m 22s
Sep 2024
S2, Ep 4 Dial Emma: Friendship Groups - how do I navigate rupture within a group dynamic?
Welcome back to Dial Emma from Friendship Therapy! This is where you get to dial Emma, with your dilemma (see what I did there?!) You share your friendship concerns, and I share my reflections as a therapist to give you the tips and tools you need to build better bonds. This week ... Show More
11m 48s