GSB DEBATE: Should Exes remain friends?
The question of whether former lovers should remain friends continues to spark intense debate. While some argue that maintaining a friendship with an ex can be beneficial, others believe it only leads to unnecessary complications.
The Graphic Showbiz Debate (GSB) sought opinions from individuals across different fields, who shared their diverse perspectives on the issue.
For some, exes can stay friends, provided they had a strong foundation of friendship before dating.
And there are others who strongly oppose the idea, citing potential emotional confusion and unwanted drama
While some see value in preserving a platonic relationship, others believe cutting ties is the best path to healing and moving forward.
Here what our ‘DEBATORS’ had to say
Ackumey, Worker
IT would be totally absurd to keep an ex as a friend if you really want to move on from the failed relationship. The only reason many people keep their ex partners is mainly to satisfy sexual desire and I feel it is a bad precedent for anyone who wants to really move on from the past. Even keeping your ex on your contact list is certainly a trap that could keep you single for a very long time.
Acquah, Worker
KEEPING an ex as a friend is a time bomb that would explode and destroy your life. We have instances where people go for the ‘last ride’ with their former partners on the eve of their marriage ceremonies and stories that come afterwards are not pleasant at all. Some end up in disasters So if you really want to make progress in life, block your former partner because some of them will make sure you are not happy.
Gyimah, Worker
YES, a healthy friendship with an ex can provide a sense of continuity and stability. It allows you to preserve the positive aspects of the relationship while releasing the romantic attachment. This can be especially valuable if you share mutual friends, or social connections. Nurturing a friendship with a one-time flame requires effort, trust, and open communication.
Kwame, Worker
YOU can remain an acquaintance of but pursuing a close friendship with a past love should be avoided. The reason is that one or both individuals may not have fully moved on, even if they believe they have. There could still be lingering emotions or an unrecognised attraction, especially if they are both seeing other people—it might create an illusion of closure that isn’t truly there. Additionally, staying too close to an ex could lead to emotional confusion, unnecessary tension, or even complications in future relationships
Deejay Mello, Worker
I DON’T think exes should not remain friends especially if there are unresolved feelings because it can prevent both people from fully moving on. Even if they try to keep it at just friendship, emotions from the past can resurface, making it harder to heal and be open to new relationships. Staying in contact might create false hope for one person or lead to unnecessary emotional confusion. It’s often healthier to create a distance, allow both individuals to ‘heal’ and grow separately and find new, fulfilling connections.
Narkie, Worker
IT’S a big NO for me. Just stay out of each other’s life. Becoming friends with your ex can create complications and challenges. This happens especially when you or both of you enter new relationships. It can lead to feelings of insecurity, jealousy, or mistrust in the new partner, ultimately affecting the health and success of the new relationship.
Nat ,Worker
OF course, old flames can remain friends if they were a support system for each other. Since they had a strong friendship before dating, staying in each other’s lives can be beneficial. You see, they can be friends for emotional, personal, or career support—as long as they set clear boundaries and respect each other’s space.
Sarah, Worker
I DON’T it is a good idea to remain friends with a former partner. To be honest, being friends with an ex can lead to awkward situations. For example, on social media, deciding whether to unfollow or block each other, navigating shared online connections, or dealing with the emotional impact of seeing their posts or photos with someone new can be awkward. So to me, I guess former partners should not be friends.
