If your ex keeps telling you that they're not ready to be friends again, it could mean a few different things:
They genuinely need time and space: After a breakup, emotions can be raw, and individuals may need time to heal and process their feelings before attempting to establish a friendship. It's possible that your ex is being honest about needing more time to move on before considering a friendship.
They want to avoid hurting you: If your ex is aware of the potential difficulties in transitioning from a romantic relationship to a platonic friendship, they may be trying to protect both of you from any unnecessary emotional pain or complications.
They are uncertain about their feelings: Sometimes, an ex might be conflicted about their feelings for you or uncertain about what they want in the future. In such cases, they may feel it's best to avoid rekindling a friendship until they gain more clarity.
They're not interested in a friendship: It's also possible that your ex genuinely doesn't want to be friends again and is using the "not ready" excuse as a polite way to express their disinterest. They might believe that a clean break is better for both parties involved.
They fear leading you on: Some ex-partners may worry that if they agree to be friends too soon, it might be misinterpreted as a sign of romantic interest, leading to confusion and hurt feelings.
They want to maintain boundaries: Being friends with an ex can be challenging, especially if one or both parties still have lingering romantic feelings. Your ex may be trying to set boundaries to prevent any potential complications or misunderstandings.
In any case, it's essential to respect your ex's feelings and wishes. If they say they are not ready to be friends again, it's crucial to give them the space they need. Pressuring them to be friends or trying to convince them otherwise may lead to more tension and make the situation more difficult for both of you.
It's also important to consider your own feelings and well-being in this situation. If staying in contact with your ex while hoping for a friendship is causing you emotional distress or preventing you from moving on, it might be best to take some time apart to focus on your own healing and growth. Remember that every individual and relationship is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer to how ex-partners should navigate their post-breakup relationship.