Is it ok to keep photos of previous relationships?

Women are complex creatures and very difficult to understand. While they demand from their partners that any and all traces of their ex-girlfriends be erased forever, many still keep that folder with the best moments of their previous relationships and romances, hidden in the recesses of the computer.

After all, is it okay to keep keeping memories, even after the end of a relationship? In fact, this is a topic that must be discussed and defined by the couple. Photographs, after all, do not pose a real danger to the “health” of the relationship, but they can be very annoying. That’s because they convey the feeling that you still think about the past, miss you or want to go back.

According to a survey carried out by Friends Reunited, in England, and published in the Daily Mail, 43% of Brits keep photos of old relationships on their computer or even in albums. Of that percentage, 20% of men hide their current partner’s files, most for fear of a jealousy crisis. The percentage of women hiding pictures of their exes is just 9%.

While 17% of men say they feel remorseful for hiding the photos, 12% admit they do it because they still have feelings for their ex-girlfriends. On the female side, those who miss their exes are only 5%. As there is no specific recipe for keeping or not your ex’s photos, some tips can help you decide what to do with them.

Swap places with each other

Before you delete old photos or decide to keep them safe, put yourself in your partner’s shoes. Would you mind if you found the same type of photos on his computer? If you answer yes, don’t demand an action you haven’t taken yourself: get rid of the old files. As painful as it may seem, it’s the right thing to do.

Don’t play Sherlock Holmes

The general rule is: he who seeks, finds. Don’t go looking for records on your boyfriend’s computer like she’s an FBI agent. Even if unintentionally, he probably has a picture of his exes hanging out there. If you don’t want to get hurt or argue, better avoid searching the other’s intimacy. Even because you probably wouldn’t want him to do the same to you.

bet on trust

If, even so, you find a file that you don’t like, don’t start fighting right away. Take a deep breath and assess the situation: it could be that the photo is there by chance, without your partner’s real intention. To not be unfair, avoid talking about it right away, wait until the anger passes, and invite him in for a frank conversation.

Do not delete the files without his permission. You are the girl’s girlfriend, not the guy’s owner – and any such attitude will be a great lack of respect for his intimacy. If he adamantly refuses to delete the photo, showing great emotional attachment to it, it might be the right time for you to have a long conversation about your relationship.

If the young man, however, is surprised to see the file and is willing to delete it or keep it somewhere else, give him that vote of confidence. After all, she is the foundation of any relationship.

Understand special situations

It could be that the photos in question are from a nice trip he shared with his ex – or from graduation, a year-end and other special situations. In these cases, it’s natural for him to want to keep the memories not specifically for the ex, but because they were important moments in his life.

If that’s the case, swallow your jealousy and understand your mate. Everyone has a past love and there is nothing more annoying than having a person by your side who always argues out of jealousy of that past.