I really enjoy being her friend, while having the freedom to do whatever else I want. I am slowly making progress in the dating world and enjoying it.
The litmus test I use when applying the word "friend" in this situation is, are you fully comfortable discussing your dating with her, and hers with you? True friends freely discuss it, and support each other. I know in my case, the answer is a solid NO, so I can't consider my STBXW my friend, even though we also could go out to a nice restaurant and have a great time.
