Is It Cool to Date Your Ex’s Friend? The Ups and Downs You Need to Know

The world of relationships is full of twists and turns, and sometimes, one of those turns might lead you right into the arms of your ex’s friend. But is that a major dating no-no?

Well, according to Gigi Engle, a certified sex educator, it’s not automatically a red flag.

“It very much depends on the friendship in question—and the potential relationship between you and the friend,” she says.

While some might raise an eyebrow, Engle reminds us that it’s not “inappropriate” to date an ex’s friend. After all, relationships end for all sorts of reasons, and everyone deserves to find happiness—sometimes that means looking in unexpected places.

Breakup coach Natalia Juarez spoke with Elite Daily on the matter, explaining that people “naturally connect with the people they spend time with.” However, she warns this bond could be threatened for several difficult reasons.

“The complexity of the situation will depend on a number of factors, such as how close the friend is to your ex, how serious and how long the relationship was, how much time has passed since the breakup, and very importantly, whether or not your ex is truly over the breakup,” she stated.

Of course, it’s important to handle this matter with extreme care. A truly emotionally mature ex will understand that your pursuit of happiness might not include them anymore, and they won’t throw a fit over your new connection. Ultimately, if you and your ex’s friend are both on the same page, give it a shot—just be sure to navigate it with respect for everyone involved.

Pros:

• New Connection: If you’re genuinely attracted to your ex’s friend, it could lead to a fresh and exciting relationship.
• Shared History: You already have a common connection through your ex, which can create an easy conversation starter.
• Ex’s Blessing: If your ex is emotionally mature, they may be supportive of your happiness and won’t stand in the way.

Cons:

• Awkwardness: The situation could cause tension or discomfort among your social circles, especially if feelings are still raw.
• Jealousy: Your ex may struggle with jealousy, even if they’ve moved on themselves.
• Potential Drama: If things don’t work out, it might cause a rift between your ex and their friend, leading to awkward situations down the line.