This is such an important point! I once dated a guy for something like 6 months. He broke up with me, insisting he wanted to remain close friends. I was a little dubious at first, but he wasn't kidding.

For years, we had lunch at least once a week, and we talked on the phone all the time. We actually became closer friends after we stopped dating.

I wouldn't have thought it possible, but I don't think this is so unusual in queer communities.