Over time and given enough romantic disappointment, we all come up with our ways of dealing with break-ups .
No matter how much advice we hear, we revert to our own tried-and-tested survival methods, whether that's ruthlessly cutting an ex-partner out of your life, or - at the other end of the scale - even trying to be friends with them.
Depending on the nature of the break-up, falling into the former camp may seem a bit drastic and bitter
After all, you loved each other once - plus we're grown-ups here, right?
"I still want to be friends"
Well, yes. But far from screaming "I'm a well-balanced, mindful adult", staying friends with an ex may say something a little darker about your personality.
Namely, that those who choose to remain friends with an ex often have the "darker personality traits" and "manipulative tendencies" associated with narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism.
The scientific study conducted by researchers at the University of Oakland is unwelcome news for those who want to take a leaf out of Chris and Gwyneth's book.
The study, as Stylist reported, asked 861 volunteers for five reasons why they'd stay friends with an ex and then tested them for psychology’s 'dark triad' of personality traits mentioned above.
While the study revealed many of the participants' motivation was sentimental, the 'dark triad' high-scorers were more likely to remain friends with their exes.
More than friends
Whittling their reasons down further, the study revealed how people with a tendency towards narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism maintained friendships with their ex often for their own gain.
For example, if an ex-partner is perceived as being "reliable" and "trustworthy", then they're seen as a useful asset.
Unsurprisingly, "sexual access" also ranked highly (especially among men).
So next time a partner utters the dreaded "let's just be friends" phrase, you have a solid reason to edit them out of your life for good, and no one can hold it against you.
Latest Stories
-
Cecilia Dapaah’s case: EOCO hasn’t requested for FBI report – Office of the Special Prosecutor
2 mins -
Andre Ayew scores 5th league goal as Le Havre beat Strasbourg
10 mins -
Ejisu by-election: NPP didn’t sanction money distribution to voters – Richard Ahiagbah
18 mins -
Ghana Health Service opens vacancies for 204 doctors, 25 dentists
46 mins -
Domestic tourism on the rebound with 1.4m visits to attraction sites in 2023 – GTA
1 hour -
Government working hard to complete Tema General Hospital project – Dr Okoe Boye
2 hours -
Ipswich Town seal Premier League promotion after 22 years absence
2 hours -
Accord journalists the respect due them – Opare Gyan
2 hours -
EPL: Arsenal beat Bournemouth to go four points clear of Man City
2 hours -
Cecilia Dapaah’s case: What’s happening now is a clear indication of cover-up – Amaliba
2 hours -
I felt rejected by Ghanaians – AY Poyoo
2 hours -
Terrorist cell of five Daesh supporters dismantled in Essaouira
3 hours -
My former manager deleted my songs from streaming platforms – AY Poyoo
3 hours -
Afronita and Abigail get standing ovation at Britain’s Got Talent
3 hours -
Accused in murder of a military officer in Kasoa remanded
3 hours