#246: When Is It a Good Idea to Be Friends with an Ex? (Ask Steph)

#246: When Is It a Good Idea to Be Friends with an Ex? (Ask Steph)

From On Attachment by Stephanie Rigg

April 2, 2026 · 9 min · Season 1 · Episode 246

About this episode

In this episode, Stephanie Rigg explores whether it is a good idea to be friends with an ex after a breakup.

In today’s Ask Steph episode, we’re exploring a common question: is it ever a good idea to be friends with an ex? While staying connected can sometimes feel comforting after a breakup, it’s not always supportive of healing or moving forward. In this episode, I share some key considerations to help you assess whether a friendship is a good idea, or whether it might be keeping you stuck in old patterns, attachment, or hope. We discuss: Why the desire to stay friends after a breakup is so common When friendship with an ex can work—and when it’s likely to be harmfulSigns you might still be emotionally attached or holding onto hope The role of boundaries, space, and healing after a breakup How to assess whether a friendship is aligned with your long-term wellbeing 👉🏼 Register for my free breakup training here

People in this episode

Host: Stephanie Rigg

Topics covered

  • friendship with ex
  • breakup
  • emotional attachment
  • healing
  • boundaries

Keywords

  • friends with ex
  • breakup advice
  • emotional healing
  • attachment
  • boundaries

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