When my stbX calls me, he tells me over and over, "But we're best friends! Best friends talk and are there for each other." Every time he would say it, I would feel myself cringe a bit. It didn't feel right. I could only manage to get out a, "But you have never really acted like my best friend." Looking at it a bit further down the road, I know like you that I just simply don't want to be his friend. It's not because I love him still and need the distance. It's more like apathy. Someone once told me that the opposite of love is not hate but indifference. I am indifferent to him, and I don't need someone who has such great potential to cause hurt, anger, and pain in my life...no matter how much he promises otherwise. The risk of friendship with him far outweighs any benefit it might give me, and frankly, I now believe a friendship would only benefit him. It's what he wants, not what I do. I'm trying to start making my life about me.