In the lesbian community it is expected that you will remain friends with your ex’s regardless of circumstance or torture it might inflict. Choosing to remain friends after a break-up is something that is distinctive and unique to lesbian relationships.
Whilst therapists would argue that it’s about ‘trying to keep a connection with that person and not being ready to let go’, there’s no denying that it’s ‘problematic’ for everyone if you no longer get along as avoidance is not an option. The lesbian world is a small one, even in the gayest city in the UK where there’s only one lesbian pub to serve us all.