Nicely put together Lola. While it is not impossible to salvage a friendship out of a romantic entanglement, in my experience some time needs to have passed for the switch to happen successfully. Otherwise, the familiar interpretation of body language & cues might be misinterpreted by one party. It’s tricky territory and it may not be possible with everyone- as I think your essay indicates. You don’t need to please your ex lover. Your only responsibility is for self-healing. I’ve found it much easier to do when that person is cleared from my mind. You won’t look back!