The Happy Divorce

Okay, so here it goes. I've been with my "ex" husband for 12 years. I met him when I was 18. He's been to my high school and college graduation. He was there for the births of our two children. He's nursed me back to health when I had the flu, encouraged me when I felt like crap and told me what I needed to hear even when I didn't want to hear it. So why are we getting divorced you might ask? Because for some reason, we are better off as friends. Our personalities are so vastly different that living together brings out the worst in both of us. He's very regimented and orderly and likes things to go smoothly all the time, whereas I am more laid back, easy going, go with the flow kind of person. Neither one of our personalities is right or wrong, but together, it's just plain fire! We have tried for the past 5 years to make things work. We really did. But we finally decided to call mercy! Since we've decided to split, we are kinder, more courteous, more patient and generally nicer to each other. Because there is no "pressure". I no longer "owe" him anything and vice versa. When I tell people that we still talk every day, that he calls me from work, that we laugh together and that none of this is awkward or uncomfortable, they think I'm crazy! I guess they can't understand how two people who seem to "get along" can't make a marriage work. They also believe I am crazy for not asking for alimony or any kind of set monthly child support. To me, that is so fifties! I am a stron independant, young and able bodied woman. I can work, I can make money just like a man. I can afford rent, and groceries and a car and everything without waiting patiently by a mailbox for the perverbial cash cow to come in. He helps me with whatever I need for the kids, I don't even have to ask. And if I hit hard times, he would help me as much as he could. Truth be told, he's helping me alot, without giving me any money. He has assumed our mortgage, our large car payment, all of our living expenses, our time share, and many other things that I have "left behind". I'm eager to start my new life with my new "friend" and I guess my question to the world out there is: "Do you think it is possible for two people to stay friends after divorce?" If you have any experiences, I would love to hear them!