My ex and I are close friends now, like legitimately. The key was taking a real break - we didn't talk for almost a year after we ended things. Once we both moved on and dated other people, we could finally see each other clearly again without all the romantic baggage. So yeah, it's possible, but there's no shortcut to it.

We've been friends for like six months post-breakup and it's... fine? Weird sometimes, great other times. Depends on the day, honestly. Neither of us is dating anyone right now which probably helps. I wouldn't say it's impossible, but it definitely requires both people to actually want it and not just be trying to avoid saying goodbye.