Top 30 items lovelorn Brits keep hold of from past relationships

06 February 2024 , 11:37

827     0

Over half of Brits admit they have sent or received a love letter - with one in 10 having done so in the past year (Image: SWNS)

Photographs, jewellery, books, and even love letters, are some of the top sentimental items Brits hold on to – after a break-up, a study has found.

Over a third of those who have suffered a heartbreak (35%) have found it difficult to let go of things associated with their past relationship – such as ticket stubs, birthday or Christmas cards, and paintings.

Items of clothing are also difficult to get rid of – with t-shirts, hoodies, hats, socks, and even underwear, all appearing on the top 20 list of things they have kept hold of from an ex-partner.

And the survey of 2,000 adults, who have been in a relationship, found that eight in 10 have kept as many as 20 belongings from an old relationship – with 55% hanging on to these items for over 20 years.

Some of the top reasons for not wanting to part with them include having fond memories of the item (39%), or because they still use it and like it (21%). However, one in 20 admitted they wanted to keep the item out of spite.

Strictly's Molly Rainford and Tyler West fuel romance rumours while on tour

It also emerged 46% think it’s emotionally unhealthy to hold onto items from an ex-partner.

Relationship expert Gemma Nice said: “Memories can be hard to let go of, but sometimes you just have to flush the past down the toilet.

“If you’re in a new relationship, holding on to items from an ex can look bad. It’s important to reflect on your reasons for holding onto these things – if it brings back bad memories, then maybe it’s time to let go.

“Parting ways with these belongings can be a step forward towards healing and moving forward.”

However, the study also found that those who have got rid of items either threw them in the bin (53%), donated them to charity (27%), or burnt them (12%). And while 45% said they were simply having a clear-out, 31% admitted it helped them to move on.

Photographs (16%), love letters (9%), and birthday cards (8%) were among the items people find most heartbreaking to look back on.

And 27% feel relieved when they get rid of things from a previous relationship – although 25% simply feel sad. Meanwhile, 27% went as far as to say they regret getting rid of an item belonging to an ex.

The study, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed 56% have sent or received a love letter, with one in 10 having done so in the last year.

David Titman, head of consumer from Who Gives A Crap, which is inviting people to flush their ex and send in old love letters to be recycled, said: “We’re offering lovelorn Brits the chance to transform their love letters into toilet roll.

“We’re hoping to help the nation turn their ex’s sweet nothings into something useful – while assuring them that someone, somewhere, will be wiping their bum with it.”

Nail salon refuses to serve disabled teen saying it 'doesn't do people like her'

TOP 20 ITEMS PEOPLE HAVE KEPT FROM AN EX-PARTNER OR PAST RELATIONSHIP:

1. Photographs
2. Cards e.g. birthday cards, Christmas cards
3. Love letters
4. Jewellery
5. Books
6. Ticket stubs e.g. cinema, concert tickets
7. T-shirt
8. Mug
9. Painting
10. Hoodie
11. Underwear/lingerie
12. Coat
13. Furniture
14. Blanket
15. Pens
16. Diary/journal
17. Pots and pans
18. Mobile phone/smartphone
19. Socks
20. Hat

Andrew Young