Yes, I agree with you, glemarie, that you can be friends with your ex, and I have seen it work well, even in my brother and sister who were bitter enemies at one time with their ex, but they settled their differences and are now somewhat to good friends, but you are right that there can never be a closeness without causing problems. The problems will most likely be for the present person, although sometimes they can be complicated when children are involved. My younger sister almost got back together with her ex, and then she decided that he had not changed that much, and it would just be trouble. My older brother's first wife visits with him, as well as his present wife. They have had big time problems in the past with the kids not liking the present wife. My daughter was taking piano lessons from his first wife, and visiting with his present wife, and she had to find another piano teacher as the first wife pumped her for information about what was going on, and the present wife did the same, and it was just too uncomfortable for her. So I agree with you, glemarie, that they can be friends and should be friends, but closeness is not a good idea.