Women Whose Exes Become Their Very Best Friends Usually Share 6 Defining Traits

Written on Aug 14, 2026

smiling woman sitting next to her ex on the couch SHVETS production | Pexels
Advertisement

When people go through a breakup, their first instinct is to never want to speak to their ex again. But for some women, their exes become their very best friend, and it's usually because they have traits that make this transition easy.

Women like this often lead with empathy, and cherish the new platonic relationship they have with their ex. They've moved past the hurt and see their ex as someone they actually enjoy having around.

Advertisement

When women become best friends with their exes, it's because they have these defining traits

1. They're capable of self-reflection

woman writing in her journal doing self-reflection TrueCreatives via Canva

When people reflect on a breakup, they often realize they could have acted differently. Some don't want to admit their mistakes and struggle to accept that their partner wasn't the only issue in the relationship. They did things wrong too, but they won't do the work to face that reality head-on.

Advertisement

But women who become friends with their exes are very capable of pushing through those uncomfortable feelings and doing a bit of self-reflection. They can acknowledge their faults and mistakes, and once they're able to get through those memories, they can start focusing on the good times.

When they remember all the great things about that person, they might decide they don't want to let them go. While they don't see a romantic future together, they want their ex around.

RELATED: People Who Make Others Feel Mentally & Emotionally Loved Usually Say 9 Phrases In Casual Conversation

2. They're extremely patient

It's hard to be friends with an ex right after a breakup. Emotions are strong and tensions may be high, so women who try to force their exes to become friends don't usually succeed. They stir up a lot of emotions that make their ex think they're better off not seeing each other.

Advertisement

But some women understand that people need space after a breakup, and it helps them get closer in the end. They wait until their ex is ready to talk, which usually happens after they've both made their peace with the relationship.

Patient women give their exes all the time they need. They let the romantic side of the relationship fade so that being around each other doesn't cause more issues. They know opening up fresh wounds can prevent a future as friends.

3. They're respectful

Women who can become friends with their exes show them respect. They don't blab to everyone about all the bad things that happened when they were together because they don't need anyone to take their side. They're more focused on creating a good relationship for the future.

By being mean to an ex, it shows they don't have a lot of respect. They don't appreciate all the good moments and things their partner did for them. So, when they can move past everything without showing contempt, they're a considerate person.

Advertisement

RELATED: You Can Usually Tell A Couple's Relationship Won't Last Very Long By 7 Things They Do On A Daily Basis

4. They care deeply

Many people who are friends with their ex get along on a deep level. They don't mind doing things for them just because, or going out of their way to ensure their happiness. They're giving and are incredibly compassionate.

It's hard to be friends with someone who takes more than they give. But women like this care for their exes in the same way they'd care for a friend, and it changes the relationship for the better.

It turns romance into friendship because their motivation changes. Even if a woman was caring during the relationship, she wants her partner to see her as the best choice. In a friendship with an ex, there's a lot less motivation to take care of people.

Advertisement

5. They're authentic and stay true to themselves

authentic woman hugging her ex at a party Cedric Fauntleroy | Pexels

Love doesn't just go away after a relationship ends. Even if someone has fallen out of love with their partner, that doesn't mean they don't still love them as a person.

Women who don't try to reject that feeling after a breakup show that they're authentic in the way they love people. Their love isn't conditional, and it's not based on whether or not they're in a romantic relationship. It's based on genuine emotion and care.

Advertisement

They acknowledge their feelings for that person, and it makes their exes feel appreciated and seen. Being genuine is completely necessary in order to foster a friendship. Because without an emotional connection, their ex won't be invested.

6. They forgive easily

Forgiveness is such a defining trait because it's not an easy one to accomplish. Humans naturally focus on the negative, so it's hard to let go of bad memories or hurtful experiences.

Because of that, forgiving someone who hurt you takes work. It's a muscle people have to exercise so they can let it go. Forgiving women don't hold on to all the bad things their past partner did, choosing instead to heal and let go of those mistakes.

Advertisement

They wouldn't be able to become friends with their exes if they didn't practice forgiveness. They've gotten over their anger and are interested in a fresh start to create a healthy friendship.

RELATED: 3 Brilliant Questions Women Ask Themselves Before They Start A Friendship With An Ex

Lily Bell is a college student studying English and Publications who covers relationships, mental health, and personal narratives surrounding the human experience.

Loading...