When people break up, they usually go their separate ways without keeping any contact with each other. Sometimes, the former couple ends the relationship on good terms and will be cordial if they happen to bump into one another in passing - and sometimes - the couple departs on a negative note and not only have nothing but bad things to say about their former love - but choose never to speak to them again.

As for me, I find that my ex-girlfriends and I tend to stay very close friends once our relationships end. Some I talk to on the phone - and some I even hang out with. There are even times where I hear from a few of them in the same day, and when we talk, we discuss normal current events, we share funny memories - and occasionally, they even ask me for advice.

A lot of friends of mine have complimented me on being able to stay friends with my ex-girlfriends. They feel it is a reflection of my character that they want to remain friends with me. Even a couple of my ex-girlfriends themselves have echoed that sentiment, saying that despite the fact that we did not work out as a couple - they still care for me enough to want me in their lives in some way. But while I enjoy still having them in my life as well and think it is very nice that we can remain friends despite the fact that we are no longer together - a part of me sees having many ex-girl"friends" as something negative rather than positive.

The reason I see being friends with a former lover as something negative is because it makes me feel that to a woman, I can be an awesome friend and confidant - but not a good boyfriend. It makes me feel like a woman who originally gave me her heart and soul now just wants to give me her friendship, minus the emotional attachment. We can hang out, share a meal, watch TV, and joke around like we used to - and even reminisce about "the good times" - but not be emotionally and intimately involved. By intimately, I am not referring to sex, but rather to "boyfriend/girlfriend" things like kissing and holding hands. I will confess that there are times when it is a blast to spend a night having the time of my life with an ex-girlfriend - and then awkward when we say goodbye by waving or shaking hands - and going our separate ways.

I am not saying that I want to get back together with any of them, because I am very happy that we are good friends and enjoy our current "relationship" as it is - but it is odd to know that a woman that was once my partner, lover and mate is now simply my friend - and someone who may enjoy my company - but ultimately "keeps company" with someone else.

Despite my own feelings on this matter, I am happy that I can be friendly and cordial with ladies I have dated in the past - and glad that they like me enough to want to be friends as well.