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In my desk is a card that I received for my 26th birthday. Contained inside is a poem written by my most recent ex-girlfriend. I imagine it would be difficult if I were to try to explain this to most people. We have been apart for more than 15 months, most people would think it's silly to keep a reminder of a failed relationship so close at hand, I on the other hand feel it would be an insult to throw away this card.After all, it would be the same as throwing away the intention of love that was expressed at the time.

Your past has shaped who it is that you are. If you erase it you would be a completely different person. That means they may not be able to be in the relationship in which you currently are taking part. It is foolish to erase your past. Anyone trying to get you to do so is not secure with their placement in your life. The next gift that you are given by your significant other shock them by asking if they would want you to throw it away if the relationship would dissolve. For the most part they would say no, explaining that they love you and would want to see you happy even in their absence. This is why people hold onto possessions gained in past relationships. It is to remember the positive times in the relationship that helps you to become the person you are. It is to honor the love that once existed between two people for a season of their lives. True love never truly fades away. It is unconditional acceptance and therefore would never have reason to no longer exist.

Sure, you could lie about these possessions. What would the costs be? It may not appear to be significant now, but in time the lies will add up. Furthermore, why are you ashamed of your past? Will you look back someday and be ashamed of today? If so, perhaps you need to evaluate the reason that you are in your current relationship. Everything you do should fill you with a sense of peace and content. If this is not the case you are not living up to the quality of life that you deserve. At the end of the day who you were then has a direct impact upon who you are now. Giving up things from past relationships is the same as giving away part of yourself.Doing this may feel right at the dts time but is a friendship should ever begin again between yourself and the old partner you will have a significant amount of explaining to do as to why you have tried to erase the existence of the relationship between the two of you.

Learn more about this author, Joe Gadrow.
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