There could be various reasons why your guy friend is suddenly being rude and nasty to you after having a period of normalcy following the end of your romantic involvement. Here are some possible explanations:
Unresolved feelings: It's possible that your friend still has unresolved feelings about the past romantic relationship. Seeing you as just friends might be difficult for him, leading to frustration and resentment.
Jealousy: Your friend could be feeling jealous or insecure about your interactions with other people, especially if he sees you forming new romantic connections. This jealousy may be manifesting as rude behavior.
Miscommunication or misunderstanding: There might have been a miscommunication or misunderstanding that triggered his negative behavior. Perhaps something you said or did unintentionally hurt him, and he's reacting defensively.
External stressors: Personal issues, stress at work or home, or other external factors could be affecting his mood and behavior, causing him to lash out.
Fear of losing the friendship: He might fear losing your friendship altogether and is acting out as a way to protect himself emotionally.
Testing boundaries: In some cases, people test the boundaries of a friendship to see how much they can push before it breaks. This could be a way for him to gauge your reactions or feelings.
Insecurity or self-esteem issues: His rude behavior might stem from personal insecurities or low self-esteem, leading him to act defensively or aggressively.
Regardless of the reasons, it's essential to address the situation constructively. Here's what you can do:
Communicate openly: Reach out to him and express your concern about the change in his behavior. Ask if something specific has happened or if there's a reason for his sudden shift.
Listen actively: Be open to hearing his side of the story and actively listen to what he has to say without being judgmental.
Set boundaries: If his behavior continues to be hurtful, set clear boundaries about what is acceptable in your friendship. Let him know that you expect respect and kindness.
Take a break if needed: If the situation becomes too toxic or stressful, consider taking a temporary break from the friendship to allow both of you to cool off and gain some perspective.
Seek support if necessary: If you find it difficult to handle the situation on your own, talk to a close friend or confidant for advice and support. Alternatively, consider seeking guidance from a counselor or therapist.
Remember that maintaining healthy friendships requires open communication, mutual respect, and understanding. If your friend's behavior continues to be hurtful and he's unwilling to address the issue, it might be necessary to reevaluate the nature of the friendship and whether it's worth preserving. Your emotional well-being should always be a priority.