“That “we are still friends” BS is just a form of clinging on (people tend to want a safety net, holding onto the old until they’re sure the new will take off).”

I suppose it’s all in how you define “friend.” I don’t think it’s realistic to call someone a “friend” after intimacy. You can call someone an x-GF or BF or x-lover but “friend,” is not accurate.

If someone ends it with you and still leans on you emotionally —that is not a break up. And if they spread themselves emotionally around – that’s emotionally promiscuousity to get their own needs met without regard for the “one” significant person. Talking about other guys to you (knowing that it bothers you) is a narcissitic way to get attention – not for any reason but to either get your reaction – to satisfy their own need to feel “wanted” without caring if it bothers you because it is a way to feel in control.