Keep, Toss, Return or Delete?

To the left, to the left. Everything he owns in a box to the left.

Yep, Beyonce knows what's up.

After a break-up it's often hard to let go. Taking pictures down, clearing closets and bathroom cupboards out, deprogramming his PVR'ed shows and getting rid of all of the little things he's bought you over the years, months, or depending on how dramatic you are, weeks.

It's the age old question: to keep the things that remind you of him, or not?

Our memories and past experiences make us who we are, and every person who has loved us and have in turn loved back is very much a part of our identity. It's often said that all experiences are good experiences, but can the same be said for memories?Keep things that remind you of him won't bring him back, but getting rid of them seems childish.

It's hard to know what to do with that box of stuff he left behind, so here are some tips for narrowing it down.

Item: Photos
Verdict: Keep
You've probably got about a billion pictures of the two of you together. Photographs are the one thing to never get rid of for two reasons. The first is that they're easy to store. You can put them in a shoebox that can be stuffed into storage and kept under the bed, where you can either choose to look at them or simply save them. The second is that you never know when you might want to see them - even if it's just to show your teenage daughter a photo of the kind of guy to avoid when she starts dating.

Item: Gifts
Verdict: Toss
Now that he's no longer your main squeeze, the bunny rabbit doll should no longer hold any sentimental significance. The same goes for that mix CD, and those dried roses. If you want a fresh start then take it, and the first thing to do is get rid of clutter (i.e. stupid stuff he bought you that you wouldn't have otherwise bought yourself). If he was keen of giving you jewellery though, you may want to keep it, depending on how often you wear it or how expensive it is. On the other hand, you could always pawn those diamond studs and get yourself something else, too.

Item: Clothing
Verdict: Return
Sure, the whole giving his stuff back thing seems needlessly dramatic. But how would you feel if your favourite pumps were held hostage at his place? The best thing to do is to collect all of his clothes (this includes that soft old t-shirt you loved to sleep in) and put it all in a box or a bag. Then, arrange for him to come pick them up when you're not around, or, if you're on talking terms, take them to him at work, or some place neutral where you can spare one another the tears and nostalgia.

Item: E-mails and Text Messages
Verdict: Delete
Trash those emails. Delete those texts. Heck, take him out of your phonebook all together. Ahem, odds are you know his digits off by heart anyway. Everyone has had one of those nights, maybe you're lonely, maybe you had a bit of vino with your dinner, and maybe your laptop or cellphone is sitting right there just waiting to be used. DO NOT! Don't go through old love e-notes, don't re-read sweet text messages, and do not call him unless you are sober enough to say the alphabet backwards... in Arabic. These tokens of your old relationship serve no purpose other than to torture you. You can keep memories in your head and your heart, but never on your hard drive 

Sandra (6) Paque
		About the author:
		I am an avid aerobiciser, thigh masterer, kegel clentcher and core ball balancer. I am just like you: a curious and (mostly) motivated woman who thinks she can (and will!) lose a few before my next family wedding or beach party. I am your sister, your mother, your aunt and your daughter. I will scour the fitness and diet landscape (so you don't have to) and keep you up to date on the latest and greatest bum and thigh disappearing potions. I hope you find my articles insightful and more than anything, motivating! NOW DROP AND GIVE ME TEN!!
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