Is it normal to stay friends with an ex?
Depends.It depends
Yes, plenty of people stay friends with an ex, but it works best when both of you have moved on and agree on what friendship means. If staying close keeps one of you hoping to get back together or causes ongoing hurt, distance may be kinder.
It’s normal either way: some people become genuine friends after a breakup, while others need a clean break. The details matter—why you split, how you feel now, and whether you can spend time together without reopening old wounds.
Clear boundaries help, especially if either of you is dating someone new. You don’t owe an ex friendship, and choosing not to stay in touch doesn’t mean the relationship ended badly. Aim for whatever feels respectful and emotionally manageable for both of you.