What is how could we ever just be friends?

As an AI language model, I do not have personal experience, but I can provide general information.

Maintaining a friendship with someone after a romantic relationship can be challenging but not impossible. Here are some tips for staying friends:

1. Take a break: Take a break from each other for a couple of weeks or months immediately after the split. This will give you some space to heal emotionally and come to terms with the end of the relationship.

2. Open and honest communication: Agree to communicate openly and honestly with each other about your feelings and intentions. Establish clear boundaries about what is and isn't acceptable behavior between friends.

3. Focus on friendship: Shift the focus of your interactions to friendship. Do things together that you would do with any friend, like going to the movies, grabbing coffee, or taking a walk.

4. Avoid romantic situations: Avoid situations that could be perceived as romantic, like candlelit dinners, long walks on the beach, or spending the night together.

5. Respect each other's new relationships: Be respectful and supportive of each other's new relationships. Don't try to interfere or sabotage them in any way.

Remember that not all relationships are meant to last forever, but that doesn't mean you have to cut ties altogether. With effort, time, and understanding, it is possible to remain friends with an ex.