# The Appeal of Men Who Respect Their Ex-Partners Why speaking kindly about former spouses is considered a major green flag in dating. - **Source:** [Vogue](https://www.vogue.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/92357795-1f3b-4d7e-b81b-77f48d64507b ## The Appeal of Maturity The author explores a personal preference for men who maintain positive relationships with their ex-partners. While traditional dating often prioritizes career success or physical appearance, this perspective suggests that emotional intelligence, demonstrated through respectful communication about past romantic entanglements, serves as a significant indicator of a person's underlying character and maturity. ## Affleck's Public Praise Ben Affleck recently appeared on the podcast The Moment, hosted by Jorge and Paola Ramos, to discuss his former partner Jennifer Lopez. Instead of offering generic compliments, Affleck specifically highlighted her professional tenacity and work ethic, describing her as a pioneer who possesses a unique force of will in her career. ## Conscious Uncoupling Dynamics Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin are frequently cited for their approach to co-parenting their children, Apple and Moses. Despite the initial skepticism surrounding their 2015 conscious uncoupling, the pair prioritized their children's needs over personal grievances, establishing a routine of familial interaction that persists long after their formal divorce was finalized. ## Shared Responsibilities Post-Split The article draws parallels between celebrity co-parenting and the experiences of everyday individuals. Whether managing the needs of children, as seen with Courteney Cox and David Arquette, or sharing custody of pets, the ability to transform a romantic connection into a functional, polite, and familial bond is presented as a desirable trait. ## Kravitz on Bonet In 2024, Lenny Kravitz publicly described his ex-wife Lisa Bonet as the most beautiful woman on the planet. He emphasized that love does not simply disappear after a breakup but instead must be funneled into a new life, noting that his past experience with Bonet remains integral to his identity. ## Identifying Green Flags The author suggests that how a man speaks about his ex-partners is a reliable indicator of his true personality. While caution is advised regarding men who remain overly attached to the past, a polite and fond demeanor toward former lovers is categorized as a major green flag in the dating world. ## The Risk of Unfinished Business Despite the positive aspects of maintaining a friendship with an ex, the author warns that excessive focus on a past relationship can signal unresolved issues. Potential partners should remain vigilant, as lingering emotional baggage or unfinished business can negatively impact the trajectory of new relationships and future planning between two people. ## Evaluating Emotional Character Ultimately, the way someone discusses their history reveals their capacity for respect and emotional growth. By observing these interactions, individuals can better assess whether a potential partner possesses the stability required for a healthy future, making the treatment of ex-partners a critical metric for evaluating long-term compatibility and personal integrity. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.vogue.com/article/i-love-a-famous-man-with-nice-things-to-say-about-his-ex — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._