How to be friends with your Ex!

There is a way to be platonic, actually several, with a former lover, husband, wife, or even 'situation' this is just a guide from personal and collectively shared views.  

Do not have sex with your Ex!
This is an old cliche but it is very much relevant. The moment you go back in that bed all bets are off. Old firesticks do ketch, and you would have given every future partner the reason not to trust either of you and satisfy the worldwide belief that being friends with an ex is next to impossible.

 Bury your relationship.
If you have to put a picture in a box and throw dirt on it. Do it. As long as you recognize this was in the past and there is no interest for a future photo op. If the ending was not good then mourn that shit and move the hell on! If the circumstances are unforgiving then friends is not an option.

Let go of the possessiveness...he/she/it is mine
People are not assets. Unless this is a business relationship in the form of a merger then nobody is yours. Get over the child-like behaviour when you don't want to share your favourite snack. Someone else will have what was yours, so will the next person after, and after that...this breeds jealousy a trait not warranted for your current status at the moment   Be prepared to hear some shit that happened either just before, during or right after your relationship. Get over this....very quickly if you want to have honest and open conversations with each other. Take your ego out of it unless you don't only want friendship.  

Be wary of the trifling ass undercover lovers
 All the Joe and Jane Grind's are going to have more confidence now and show their true colours. Try to keep your cool and be thankful they are still cowards who had to wait till game over to start playing.  

Keep it 100! All the time or as much as you can, even more than when you were a couple As an ex you have the potential to be the best friend they never had...be responsible with this position, give your opinions in a way that fosters back and forth discussions. Constructive criticism works only if you know what it is, and how to do it. Go to Google.  

Know when to stand back...and allow the future to set in, even if you don't like it This requires maturity to differentiate between helping and facilitating. Help because you want to and not because you feel obligated. Be self confident enough to sit in the back...way back if needs be, knowing if it were the back row of church, this still does not mean your blessings will be any less.

Love unconditionally....this is the simplest but hardest thing to do but if you are genuine and your intentions honourable, if you master this everything falls into place.