Relationship expert gives definitive answer on whether you should stay friends with your ex

The age-old question may finally be getting its long overdue answer.

Whether you're in a relationship or not, one question has caused many arguments and debates: Can you be friends with your ex?

The question usually creates a huge split in opinions, with people feeling very strongly one way or the other.

The divide can sometimes be on either side of a couple, though if you are arguing about subjects like this often, you might want to look at the 'Four Horsemen' rule.

But which option is healthier? Or is there even a healthier option?

There is a lot of conversation around it, as many will often even create scenarios in which it is acceptable to have those people in your life or not.

Relationship coach Sadia Khan has provided the answer we have all been craving during an appearance on Lewis Howes' The School of Greatness podcast.

Howes asked the golden question: "Do you think it's possible for a man or woman to speak to an ex-partner as a friend, while they're in a new relationship and it not be an issue?"

Khan took a moment before replying: "I think it's definitely possible but it's not necessarily respectful.

"It's definitely possible, two people can move past it and they're not into each other and whatever it is, but it's not respectful to your new connection."

A fair and firm point made by the relationship expert, and it sort of plays into both sides of the argument but it ultimately seems wrong.

She goes on to explain that just because you have the option to be friends with your ex, doesn't mean you should go out of your way to do it, which could disrespect your partner.

Khan also states that your partner could be OK with it, which makes it different, but that you should be 'self-regulated' enough to know where your 'values are based'.

She concludes that entering a new relationship also means respecting it enough to let go of old ones that might damage your current relationship.

People in the comments were still mixed on the matter despite the the expert's answer.

One user commented: "I'm friends with all but one of my exes... we either broke up on mutual terms or enough time has passed that a friendship has developed."

Another raised a good point, adding: "Sometime you have to if you have kids with them."

While third wrote: "Perfectly said wow I love it. My ex made me feel like a weirdo for not accepting it."

It looks like the debate will rage on despite what anyone says, but maybe there won't ever be a clear answer as everyone's situation is different.

Featured Image Credit: Tiktok/Lewishowes/Getty Stock Image

Topics: Sex and Relationships

Joshua Nair

Joshua Nair is a journalist at LADbible. Born in Malaysia and raised in Dubai, he has always been interested in writing about a range of subjects, from sports to trending pop culture news. After graduating from Oxford Brookes University with a BA in Media, Journalism and Publishing, he got a job freelance writing for SPORTbible while working in marketing before landing a full-time role at LADbible. Unfortunately, he's unhealthily obsessed with Manchester United, which takes its toll on his mental and physical health. Daily.

@joshnair10