Yeah I don't know my best friend is still very close with her ex and it hurts her that he's chosen to be with someone else and she still loves him. She hasn't been able to move on ie she keeps choosing scammers off online dating sites etc and now her therapist has told her quite simply she is not ready to date period. So staying close comes with a cost. If you don't want him out of your life you're going to find another way to deal and the usual way is to find another guy you really like.