If someone breaks up with you because they don't want to hurt your feelings but continues to hang out with you afterward, it can be a confusing and complicated situation. There are several possible explanations for this behavior, and it's essential to consider the context and the individual's actions and words. Here are some potential reasons:
They value your friendship: The person may genuinely care about you and value your friendship even though they no longer want to be in a romantic relationship. They might hope that maintaining a friendship can be less painful for you both and salvage the positive aspects of your connection.
They feel guilty: Breaking up with someone can lead to feelings of guilt and responsibility, so they might continue to hang out with you as a way to ease their own guilt. By spending time with you, they may feel that they're providing emotional support even if they are no longer romantically involved.
They are unsure about their decision: The person might be unsure about the breakup and need time to process their emotions. Hanging out with you could be a way for them to test the waters and see if their feelings change over time.
Fear of losing you completely: They might worry that completely cutting off contact would result in losing you from their life entirely. By remaining friends, they may hope to maintain some level of connection and not lose you as a person they care about.
Comfort and familiarity: After being in a relationship, the dynamics and routine of spending time with someone can become familiar and comforting. They may continue to hang out with you because it feels comfortable and helps them cope with the change.
They are being unclear about their intentions: Unfortunately, some people may continue to hang out with an ex-partner for their own benefit without considering the emotional impact on the other person. They might not be fully honest about their intentions or keep you around as a backup option.
It's essential to have open and honest communication with the person about their intentions and your feelings. If you want to remain friends after the breakup, it's crucial to set clear boundaries and take the time to heal emotionally. However, if you find that hanging out with them is causing you more pain or preventing you from moving on, it might be best to create some space and take time for yourself.
Remember that everyone's emotions and motivations can be complex, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to such situations. Trust your instincts and take care of yourself throughout the process. If needed, seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can be helpful during this challenging time.