For some, the end of relationship means making a clean break, never seeing the other person again, and easily moving on to another relationship without having to worry about the burden of excess baggage. For others, the end of a relationship means that the other person may no longer be a lover, but still remains a friend. While it is perfectly normal to remain friends with an ex, it could cause tension when it comes to future relationships. That is, of course, unless you know what to do to ensure that your new love can happily co-exist with your ex.

If you're one of those guys who still remains close to an ex, there are a few things you should know to avoid a future blowup that can either end with you finding yourself single once again, or losing a good friend. Try to remember these easy tips:

1.) Don't let your new girl hear about the old one through the grapevine, and definitely don't let her find out face-to-face in a social situation. Let her know right away that your ex is still in your life, but as a friend who will never be more than that ever again.

2.) Be honest about why you and your ex split, but don't keep talking about it. Trust us, she will ask about how it happened, so wait for her cue, give her the short version and then drop it. If you keep bringing her up again, the new girl will think you still have feelings for the old flame.

3.) Do not recount anything she said or did that was "so great" because the new girl will feel jealous. There is also no need to talk about anything related to your past sex life with the ex, that is just asking for trouble. Plus, if she was so great in bed, all your new girlfriend will think about is how you are going to want to get back into it.

4.) ALWAYS make sure your girlfriend comes before your ex. That means not running to your ex's house every time she needs someone to kill a spider in the bathtub. How will she ever believe that things are romantically over between you and your ex if you run to her at the drop of a hat?

5.) Do not make plans with just the ex, unless you have invited the new girlfriend along or other people are going. Do not agree to anything with her until you have discussed it with your new love first. She wants to feel that you are being honest, so make sure to always talk to her first so she can't get mad at you later.

If you play your cards right, and make sure your girlfriend knows she is always number one in your book, you shouldn't have any problems. If your new girlfriend demands that you still can't see the ex, then you have to decide who is more important to you. But, hey, they may even end up being friends, which could work out really well (or really bad) for you.