Thread: From Romance to Friendship?

I recently just broke up with someone I had been seeing for nearly a year. While it hurts, we both came to the realization that we just wouldn't work out over the long term. Outside stressors had been effecting us both and while I avoid the term "mutual", as most would argue break-ups are never simultaneous, we both really did come to terms with reality. With a bit of an age gap, we just weren't in the same life stages for it to work.

What I want to ask about is whether anyone has experienced a friendship following a healthy relationship? He and I were friends first, we have so much in common, and genuinely respect one another. No contact was never established, but it is neccessary. I am considering sending a simple happy holiday/new year e-mail in a few months, but otherwise let us both breathe. I know re-establishing yourself after a breakup is important both to heal and move on. But is a friendship possible whether it be months even years from now if we both want it? I've read some people say absolutely never and others have been successful.... so confusing.