In order to be able to be in a relationship, break up and remain friends, you must have a strong friendship from the start.  It’s possible but not likely to lose your man, but keep your friend.  Sometimes that happens when a friendship is taken to the next level, but doesn’t work out romantically.

If a break up is a mutual decision it’s possible you could still be friends.  The key to remaining friends is to realize early on when the relationship isn’t working out and end it civilly before it gets nasty and bitterness sets in.  Both parties must want to salvage the friendship.  It’s easier when it’s someone you have been dating for a short period of time.  When neither of you have invested that much time and energy into the relationship, you could simply say that you enjoy hanging out with them, but you don’t feel there’s chemistry between you.  When only one person wants out of the relationship, then the other person may be offended by suggesting they be placed in the “friend zone.”

Being friends after ending a relationship usually won’t happen immediately if you have been in a relationship for a while.  It will take some time apart to get over the hurt and to forgive them and move on.  There would have to be maturity on both sides and they would both have to no longer have romantic feelings towards each other in order for a friendship to actually work.  This is not the usual situation in a break up.  Sometimes one of them still want to be together.

The best way to remain  friends after the break up would be to set some ground rules.  To ensure that the relationship remains platonic, you should meet in public places only, don’t go out drinking at bars, and split the check since you are not on a date.  The dynamics of the relationship will definitely change now that you’re in the friend zone.

Make sure your intentions for remaining friends are genuine, especially if they’re in a new relationship.  I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but some people can remain friends after a break up.