[lthm]

Hi,

About a month ago my boyfriend of more than three years and I broke up. Having been with him for so long, I have a lot of presents from him, memorabilia such as photos and love letters (dorky, right?), and plenty of things that remind me of him. My question is:

Which do I keep and which do I throw out? I've heard it's better to get rid of all the things that remind you of your ex, or at least put them in a box and out of sight, but there are some that have so much meaning to me I just don't want to give them up-- namely, my promise ring (irony) and other jewelry, two stuffed animals (one of which we named together: The Indubitable Poot Dinkles... *sigh* no more silly things with him... ), and a watercolor I painted of his eyes. Yeah, it's pretty weird to have your ex staring at you from your wall, but I don't want to get rid of my artwork...

Any advice would be appreciated :)

[ChihuahuaMomma]

Keep what you feel comfortable keeping, and throw out what you feel comfortable getting rid of. It's all up to you. Wil keeping these things around make it harder to get over him? If so, just put them away for a while. If you see them simply as good memories then keep them around. Why not?

Also, if you keep the ring, don't wear it. If you run into him and he sees you wearing it, it could be awkward. Just thought I'd share some personal experience.

[PraginOut]

Out with the old, in with the new. Id bin it all.

[lthm]

That would be awkward, I didn't think of that.. Thank you :) They are good memories, problem with that is then I start thinking I won't get to make any new ones with him and that's a really depressing thought.

[ChihuahuaMomma]

Then put it all away for six months, and then once you are comfortable just bring out on thing at a time.

[ISneezeFunny]

I still kept most of the things my ex gave me... and I still actually wear it.. . I knew it'd be awkward, but... I just plain didn't care, I guess. Am I supposed to put a watch in a box and not wear it?

I kept everything else that's not of practical use (stuffed animals... mostly) in a box and just put them in my balcony closet.

[ChihuahuaMomma]

I still kept most of the things my ex gave me...and I still actually wear it. ...I knew it'd be awkward, but...I just plain didn't care, I guess. Am I supposed to put a watch in a box and not wear it?

I kept everything else that's not of practical use (stuffed animals...mostly) in a box and just put them in my balcony closet.

Yes, a ring and a watch are different. A watch is functional, a ring is just for aesthetics. And that particular ring holds special sentiment since it's a promise ring.

[lthm]

Well technically it's a broken promise ring :] Thanks for the advice... I think I'll put away what I can (a lot of my clothing is from him too and I can't very well go without clothing) but that doesn't carry the same value/feelings/whatever... But ugh. It's my favorite ring... the only ring I've ever worn more than twice. >< Well, hopefully those emotions will fade with time and I can bring it out someday... if not, I can pawn it.