by Leslie Trotter

Created on: March 16, 2010

The ex-files: Why people keep things from past relationships

So you've moved on, You have a new boyfriend that you're very happy with. While over at your place he notices that you still have photo albums sitting on your coffee table that has photo's of your ex.  You also have kept jewelry and other things you've gotten from your ex. Your current boyfriend has a problem with it. He thinks that you should get rid of the albums and pawn the jewelry.

Although, you have moved on, you still want to keep reminders from the past. Your new boyfriend should feel confident and secure enough to not mind your photo's of your ex or the things he has given you.  Just because you have a new boyfriend doesn't mean you have to throw away your past, you want those little trinkets and photo's because it reminds you of good times you had with your ex.

Nevertheless, I don't think you should obsess over the past or not focus on what you have in your life with your current relationship.  There is nothing wrong with keeping things from your past, we've all had a past, some good and some bad. But we only want to remember the past when it was good. Many people were molded from the good experiences they've had, while others were molded by the bad.  Having a past relationship that was filled with rage, abuse or anything negative. You will want to throw any reminders of it away.

Throughout the years people bring along many things from the past, like a toy they might of had when they were a child, a blanket or photo's and those things are a part of who we are.  Hold on to your memories because as you age it will be gone in a flash. Furthermore, we need to salvage all that belong to us.

Some people can't function without living in the past and they let it dictate their futures. When keeping reminders from the past that hurts you becomes an obsession, there is something emotionally wrong and you should talk to a therapist, so they can help you sort out  what keeps you so attached to the negative things from your past.

If you have things from the past from an ex that you love and cherish, keep it for your private viewing. Don't share these memories with a current boyfriend or girlfriend if they can't understand your reasoning behind keeping things from the past.

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