There can be several reasons why your ex wants to be friends after breaking up with you and while already being in a new relationship. Here are some possibilities:
Guilt and Empathy: Your ex may feel guilty about the breakup and want to maintain a friendship to show empathy and care for your feelings. They might believe that being friends could help soften the blow of the breakup.
Comfort and Familiarity: They might value the comfort and familiarity of the friendship you shared during the relationship. Even though the romantic aspect is over, they might still appreciate having you in their life as a friend.
Avoiding Conflict: Some people prefer to remain friends after a breakup to avoid potential conflicts or awkwardness, especially if you share the same social circle or have mutual friends.
Ego Boost: Staying friends with an ex while in a new relationship could serve as an ego boost, knowing that you still value their company and friendship even though you're no longer together romantically.
Not Ready to Let Go Completely: Your ex may not be ready to let go of the emotional connection entirely. Being friends could be a way for them to hold onto a part of the relationship they once had.
Transitioning to Friendship: For some individuals, transitioning from a romantic relationship to a platonic friendship is a natural and gradual process. They might genuinely value your friendship and wish to maintain that connection.
New Relationship Safety Net: Staying friends with an ex while in a new relationship might also be a way to ensure they have a backup or safety net in case their new relationship doesn't work out.
It's important to remember that every individual and situation is unique, and their motivations might be a combination of these factors or something entirely different. If you're uncomfortable with the idea of being friends, it's crucial to communicate your feelings openly and honestly. Set boundaries that protect your emotional well-being, and don't feel pressured to continue the friendship if it's causing you distress. Ultimately, the decision to be friends or not should be based on what feels right for you.