Some people try to maintain a friendship because they just don't want to let go of their ex. However, I must point out that the length of the initial relationship might also play a role in whether a friendship has a chance afterward. NO - Um, on the other hand, some scream an emphatic "No, no no!" to the possibility of maintaining some type of relation- ship. Sadly, there is often too much damage done to the union, and people are unable to be friends. If respect or even like for the other person has been lost, there's not much hope for a future friendship. If most relationships end on a bad note anyway, the damage is probably already done. Before jumping in and trying to remain friendly, ask yourself why and the purpose of keeping such a union. That a friendship might have a possibility of surviving. For instance, we all know there are some unions where the two people mutually realize the end is near and part on friendly terms - I swear, this can actually happen. Or, sometimes people try dating to simply see what happens and come to discover they were not meant to be romantic partners. In these cases, the friendship might have a possibility of continuing. speaking of friendly contact...remember "friends with benefits?" Sometimes letting go (for whatever reasons) of a loved one can be initially quite painful. In some cases, people hang on and pursue a temporary friends with benefits situation in which the two don't officially date, but enjoy, well, sexual benefits in addition to the friendship. Come on, I know you have gone through that exact situation! Fess up?. DAVID