r/BreakUps • u/NotATypicalSinn • 4d ago

Do you keep stuff your ex gave/gifted you?

Personally, I do choose to keep them.. Pictures on my phone, childhood pics, diaries, necklaces, old student IDs, everything. I keep every single one I get from them. Not as a form of desperate attachment, but to remind myself and show myself that even if things ended, no matter how hard or sad or bitter it was, I loved them with to the best of my capabilities and with my whole being.

I keep them because it reminds me that love isn't some trap or meaningless thing, no matter how much it breaks me. Because in spite of it all, I loved the only way I knew how, and that the love I gave was as real as I could ever show.

But what about you guys? What do you think?

If you've got any other questions you wanna ask me about why I think this way, feel free to ask too. Don't be shy ^ ^

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u/External-Project-408 4d ago

I (20M) do the same. I’ve only been in two relationships. One senior year of high school and the other just ended a month ago. Both were good relationships and definitely taught me a lot. Also, I ended on pretty good terms with both.

I do keep many of the things I got from them (letters, toys, art, etc). I don’t feel an attachment to them, more of an appreciation to how fortunate I have been to have them in my life. And to see how much I’ve grown. I always feel bad when I hear people burning or deleting pictures/gifts from past relationships.

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u/NotATypicalSinn 4d ago

I always feel bad when I hear people burning or deleting pictures/gifts from past relationships.

Honestly I can understand WHY some choose to. My friend did it concerning her ex, and I could see why she did it, and honestly it was very healthy for her. There's many things that can happen and many ways to move on, just as there are all types of relationships.

And also, same(with the first paragraph). I had a great time with my exes, and even if things ended up somewhat bitter, I cherished the time I had with them and am happy to have spent my time with them.