When I was very young, I dated a guy for about 5 months. Prior to our dating, we were best friends for about a year. Since he was my best friend for that long, after the awkwardness following the breakup, we easily flowed back into our pattern of being close friends, and we remain close friends to this day. But despite the fact that we dated almost 5 years ago, I still have people who have opinions on it, and who think I am crazy for remaining friends with him.

Everyone continually says how they can't believe I am still friends with my ex. Many also bring my current relationship with my fiance into it, always saying they don't understand how he can "allow me" to be friends with my ex.

First of all, my fiance does not allow me to do anything. I'm a big girl and I can make my own decisions about who I am friends with. Second of all, others' opinions on my friendships don't matter.

Everyone assumes it's awkward being friends with my ex, but it's far from it. Our 5-month relationship was nothing in the face of our 6-year friendship. He is one of my oldest friends, and he and my fiance get along beautifully as well. My relationship with my fiance is built on trust, so my being friends with my ex is nothing to us.

Being friends with my ex is honestly something great in my life. The fact that he and I could get past our petty split and remain good friends matters to me. Because of our long lasting friendship, he and I have seen a lot together. For me, it feels really good to have people in my life who are willing to see me through my worst times. He is one of my oldest and dearest friends, and that's not a bad thing.

Having a good friend in my ex is not weird, and it's also not anyone's business but mine.