4 science-backed reasons why people try to stay friendly with their exes

Are you still friends with your ex?

Sarwat Fatima
नवंबर 30, -0001

What is it about staying friends with your ex that looks so tempting? If you think you are the only person on Earth who refuses to sever all ties with your ex-flame then you are mistaken. There are many people out there who just refuse to see sense. But, that's really not their fault. In fact, it's not just emotions--you see. More important factors come to play here.

Interestingly, science has found some valid explanation as to why some people remain friends with their ex, even after their relationship goes sour. Here are a few reasons:

Feeling of Security Is a Big Factor

Look at Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor or Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner--what do these ex-celeb couples have in common? Well, they are friends with their exes. Now, while each of them might have a different reason to do so, experts say it's got a lot to do with security.

"When couples remain friends for security reasons, that typically means they don't want to lose the emotional support or advice the other offers," states a report published in Women's Health.

They Are Not Over the Break-Up

Ouch! That must hurt. If you look deep within, you might realize that you still have feelings for your ex. Now, this most definitely doesn't mean that you want to get back together. However, strong emotional attachment is not easy to say goodbye to.

According to a report published in Psychology Today, "People are more likely to communicate with exes they still have feelings for. They were also more likely to stay in touch with exes if they feel that the breakup was more positive--characterized by understanding and a lack of mean, nasty behavior. Also, those who are not over the breakup are more likely than others to maintain contact with their ex."

Sexual Access Matters Too

"According to a study published by researchers at Oakland University, people with 'dark' personality traits - i.e. those who are generally disagreeable, manipulative, and exploitative--are more likely to be friends with former flames for practical and sexual reasons," says a report by Business Insider.

It's not a shocker, really. If the study is to be believed, those who value sex and short-term relationships over commitment can be more manipulative. And manipulating an ex can be a lot easier if he/she is still in love with them.

To Keep the Friend Group Intact

So, do you and your ex have a lot of common friends? If yes, then it's not hard to guess that social situations would have been quite awkward every time you and your ex bumped into each other. Well, most people try to ease the tension by maintaining a friendly relation with their ex-partners.

According to a report published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, people to do for the sake of social relationship maintenance, which covers things like keeping a friend group intact and minimizing drama.