Remaining close friends helps to ease their guilt, they believe it is a way to let the LBS down easy. You can still be a good co-parent without being close friends.
I made it very clear to my XW that I am not her maintenance man, shoulder to cry on, first person she calls for advice, and I have no desire to know anything about people she is dating unless it involves our girls. She has respected my wishes..we are cordial and friendly but that is where it stops.
