Actually, I am still excellent friends with all three of the men I dated since my divorce (prior to the current boyfriend).
Granted - two of those relationships had expiration dates from the start (too young). The first one, perhaps we wouldn't have ended up as close, except his son became very seriously ill just two days after he broke up with me, and they needed my help, so we HAD to communicate.
But the key thing, I think, for me, has been a willingness to just accept people and situations as they are, which I find does not lead to bitterness. If someone I love needs or wants something other than me - when we're in a non-committed dating relationship - so be it. We can still enjoy the friendship.
