Not every relationship has to go down in flames. Sometimes it comes down to a matter of differences, or other factors neither of you can help. It can be hard if you formed a really close bond with the person, and you should take all the time and space you need to grieve for the end of the relationship. But if it was a good relationship and you parted on good terms, it might be better that you try to stay friends with your ex, and here’s why:

1. They know what makes you tick.

You have spent a lot of time together, and that means they know you better than a lot of people. This can be really valuable if you need advice or if you just need a kindred spirit to spend time with. They can probably see things about you that you can’t, and it can be enlightening to listen to them talk about you from their perspective.

2. They know how to cheer you up.

They’ve seen you at your worst and know how to help bring you out of it. Having a positive person like that in your life who will be there for you when you’re feeling down is really valuable, and something that should not be overlooked or taken for granted. It can be hard to find those kinds of people, so hang onto them when you do.

3. You know how to have fun together.

Chances are you were in the relationship for a reason, and that was to have fun together. Whether it was seeing a good movie, or walking around in the park, or just generally being goofy together. There’s a friendship underneath the physical attraction, and it is possible to separate the two.

4. You have mutual friends.

Trying to hang out with your friend group but trying to avoid the other person at the same time can be hard if you’ve made friends with their friends and vice versa. It can put strains on your friendships if they feel like they have to choose sides, so it would be more beneficial to talk out your feelings with an outside party and keep it cool when you see the other person until you’re ready to be friends with them again.

5. It's not awkward unless you make it awkward.

There’s this misconception that exes can never be friends again because there was a physical attraction, but it doesn’t have to be so black and white. If you still have feelings for the person or you know they still have feelings for you, it might be better to take some time away from them, but once you’ve both had time to grieve and get over it, there isn’t going to be constant sexual tension or anything like it is in the movies.

6. The friendship gets better when the relationship is over.

This might sound weird, but it’s true. Having been through a relationship with the person means you know each other really well. And because there’s no need to please the other person anymore, there’s no pressure on either of you.

7. You get to watch them grow and stay part of their lives.

Obviously, there was something that attracted you to them in the first place, and letting go of the relationship and hurt feelings feels so much better than hanging onto it and resenting the person. Chances are that, unless they were a total jerk to you, they’re a really cool person and you have a lot in common. Hold onto that if you can.