There can be various reasons why an ex-partner might want to keep in touch, be friends, and help out their ex-girlfriend with practical things, even after the romantic relationship has ended. Some possible reasons include:
Genuine Care and Concern: The ex-partner may still care deeply about their ex-girlfriend's well-being and happiness. They may genuinely want to see her doing well and be there to support her as a friend.
Maintaining a Connection: Some people find it difficult to completely sever ties with someone they were once close to. They may want to maintain a connection, even if it's in a different capacity, because the emotional bond still exists.
Shared History and Memories: Having shared experiences and memories can create a sense of familiarity and comfort. Staying in touch allows them to reminisce about the good times they had together.
Feeling Responsible: If the ex-partner was a caregiver or a protector during the relationship, they might feel a sense of responsibility for their ex-girlfriend's well-being even after the breakup.
Guilty Feelings: The ex-partner may feel guilty about the breakup or the circumstances surrounding it. Staying in touch and helping out could be their way of trying to make amends or alleviate their guilt.
Ego and Validation: Some people might maintain contact with an ex for ego reasons, seeking validation or reassurance that they are still important or needed in the ex-girlfriend's life.
Hoping for Reconciliation: In some cases, the ex-partner might hold onto the hope of getting back together in the future. Staying friends and helping out may be a way of staying connected and leaving the door open for a possible reconciliation.
Lack of Closure: If the breakup was abrupt or lacked proper closure, one or both partners may struggle to fully move on, leading them to stay in touch.
Avoiding Awkwardness: Sometimes, staying friends is a way to avoid the awkwardness of a sudden cutoff or to maintain a sense of normalcy in mutual social circles.
Altruism and Kindness: The ex-partner may simply be a kind and caring individual who genuinely wants to help others, including their ex-girlfriend, without any ulterior motives.
It's important to remember that each individual and situation is unique, and motivations can vary greatly. If you're the one receiving help and friendship from an ex-partner, it's essential to consider your own feelings and boundaries. If the contact makes you uncomfortable or hinders your ability to move on, it's okay to set clear boundaries or reduce communication.
In some cases, staying friends with an ex can be a positive and healthy experience, but it's crucial to ensure that both parties are on the same page and that the friendship is based on mutual respect and consideration for each other's feelings.