Right, so being friends with your ex is a very very tricky topic.
Sure, each to their own. For some it works, for other’s it doesn’t and for onlookers it’s blatantly painful.
It’s a pickle.
Well now, science has backed up the claims of many a best friend. It’s a really terrible idea.
A study by Oakland University psychologists asked 861 participants to list the reasons they wanted to remain friends with their ex and also asked them to fill out a survey that would identify any alarming personality traits.
As reported by attn: the study found that those with a “dark triad” of traits (narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism) were most likely to stay in touch with an ex but their desire to do so is fuelled by practicality and access to sex in the future.
In general, men rated pragmatism much higher than women.
Narcissism expert Dr. Tony Ferretti agreed with the findings. Speaking to Broadly, he said that narcissists and other dark personalities often valued relationships in terms of self-interest.
“Narcissists hate to fail or lose, so will do what they can to maintain some connection if they didn’t make the choice to end it,” he said.
“They can experience narcissistic injury when rejected by a partner and have difficulties letting it go or healing from it.”
“Narcissists have a tremendous amount of pride and can’t accept others being with their ex.”
