How To Maintain A Healthy Relationship With Your Ex

The romance may have died, but you still want to learn how to maintain a healthy relationship with your ex. After all, you gave the relationship everything you had, and in spite of everything, you still care. Even if it seems impossible right now, you can keep the friendship and lose the baggage. A few simple rules will help you heal, move on and still have a positive relationship with your ex.

1. Set Boundaries: Unless you want your ex spilling the beans about her new boyfriend's sexual prowess or texting you all the details of her latest drama, you need to set firm boundaries. Let her know which topics are off limits and what kind of communication, and how often, is OK. Bonus: When you set boundaries, she will, too, sparing you from accidentally tripping a land mine.
2. Friends Without Benefits: Sex with your ex might seem safe; after all, what harm could one little romp in the sack do? The answer: plenty. That romp might rip open old wounds and leave you confused about where you stand. Worse, ask yourself how you will feel when the booty calls stop because she meets someone else. If the very thought makes you shudder, you cannot handle sex with your ex.
3. Block Her: Stalking your ex on social media is risky business. Social media sites are notorious for facilitating secret trysts with long-lost loves, and in the process, destroying current relationships and even marriages. All it takes is one flirty wall post to set the wheels in motion. Worse, all those relationship status updates and photo albums can fuel jealousy and make it tough to get over your ex.
4. Respect Mutual Friendships: If you want to have a healthy relationship with your ex, avoid bad-mouthing her in front of mutual friends. Word always gets around, and when your ex finds out, you will pay the price. Plus, she might have a few choice stories of her own.