Top 30 items lovelorn Brits keep hold of from past relationships

06 February 2024 , 11:37

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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.

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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.”

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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