Just recently we’ve seen Reese Witherspoon sitting next to her ex, Ryan Philippe at their son’s soccer game. Then there was Charlie Sheen, seen walking and smiling alongside his ex, Denise Richards. Many celebrity exes are on friendly terms, seemingly integrating their past into their present lives with ease.

So Why Are Celebrities Friends With Their Exes?

Celebrities are bound by certain rules. Even when children aren’t involved, many will feel ‘forced’ to remain friends with exes. Hollywood is a small town. They run into each other at public events; many share the same management; and will even be up for the same movies (think Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake in Bad Teacher – and if you’ve seen that film it’s probably a decision they both regret). Then there’s the rather huge issue of the paparazzi capturing their every move.

For the sake of their public image, celebrities need to be seen to be pleasant with each other. It makes good (business) sense. But what about non-celebrities…should you really be friends with an ex? Or is it better to leave the past where it belongs?

Here Are My Tips To Help You Decide Whether And How To Stay Friends With An Ex.

1. Ask yourself why you want to be friends. Whether or not you stay friends with an ex really depends on key factors in the relationship, like how serious the relationship was, and the reason for the split (for example, if a third party was involved or if the relationship simply ran its course). Bare this in mind when you ask yourself why you want to be friends? If it’s an attempt to hold on to a love lost, then it’s best not to delude yourself thinking that being ‘friends’ will make the break easier: it won’t. Don’t be ‘friends’ simply to ease the pain of the breakup. It will only prolong it.

2. If you decide to be friends, take ‘Time Out’ to give each other space to end the old relationship and start a new one – as friends. This will usually be anywhere from 3 months to a year, depending on the depth and length of your relationship.