Do you keep or delete pictures of your ex?

Question

I have several pics of me and my ex and even a funny video of us doing impressions. Right after we broke up, I thought about deleting everything but now, I've decided to keep them. Reasons? They bring back memories. If the pictures are deleted for good, the good memories are just kinda gone. Despite the breakup, I've learned how to control my emotions for a bit. I learned to accept the situation as it is and only remember the good times we had. In the future, I might even look back and think "Why the fuck was I with this guy?" lol. For me, deleting the pics would make me feel worse than keeping them.

GoodManDave · Accepted Answer

Probably edit photos if it was THAT good a photo... otherwise deleted.

I had an ex who gave me a little pencil holder... she cheated almost as soon as we started dating... dropped it (on purpose)... and got rid of it.

I dated a girl who gave me some dumb el cheapo thing... didn’t even get the cutesy “inside joke” right... it may be around somewhere - not keeping it on purpose... just can’t find it. may have gotten rid of it, but I don’t think so.

From friends I no longer really talk to? It depends.

If I was married, then got divorced, I might keep some things if they were good (or important) memories... otherwise, no, so far, none of the things have held that much significance. They didn’t take time, weren’t that important to me or the girl I dated, so they were trashed.

gn1234 · Accepted Answer

I deleted everything. I had one night where I ordered a pizza and drank a lot of liquor. I turned on all of our favorite songs and started with the earliest pictures of our relationship and enjoyed the memories of our 5 year relationship/engagement one last time before I completely moved on. Sounds dramatic and lame but it was a painful breakup. I am stronger because I leave pain behind.

little_bird1 · Accepted Answer

I deleted all of them, but to be honest I wish I didn't. I did it in a heat of a moment, the same day we broke up. I was angry and sad and I never wanted to see his face again. But now I regret it because no matter how badly he hurt me and how much of an ass he is, he was my first love, my first live-in boyfriend and my longest relationship of five years. And there was a good amount of time when we truly loved each other. Those pictures are the proof and a memory of those amazing times. I want to see those pictures again, not because of him or us together, but because of me with a huge smile and a happy face on them. I want to reminded how love is beautiful and how I can be happy.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

It depends on the type of breakup and the type of person your ex was. In my case, I deleted everything because my ex wasn't a good guy. And when you keep pictures of someone who broke your heart in the past, it isn't the best way to move on. If you want to move on from an awful breakup, DELETE all the photos. It took me about 2 months to have the courage to delete everything. We did not have good memories because he was a manipulative liar. However, if your ex was a nice person and respected you... It's okay to keep some photos.

BrittBratt2416 · Accepted Answer

Yes, we're not together anymore so need to keep them. I guess if you and you're ex were married and it was a family picture, then that's okay to keep. But since it was just us, weren't married, didn't have kids, I deleted the pictures as a way to let go of the past in order to move on. Plus some people give a side eye to those who keep pics of their ex's cause their not sure if your keeping it cause it's a nice pic or keeping it cause part of you is still holding on to the past and the person.

TheDarkPegasus · Accepted Answer

I think it's okay to keep them for a while, it's difficult to delete good memories, but once you start seeing someone new, it seems respectful and healthy to let the other person go in all forms.

Belgie · Answer

I keep everything because the past informs who I am now. I don't white wash it.

jp612612 · Answer

I'm a little surprised at the replies below. I always felt that deleting pictures was a very female thing to do. I don't delete pictures of my exes but it's not because I want to keep them -- it's because I don't care enough to delete them. I mean, that strikes me as a lot of work for no reason and having her pictures on my computer or phone just doesn't bother me as I rarely ever see them anyway.

oneleggedwonder · Answer

Your ex may never be part of your future but he is apart of your past. Sometimes it hurts to see pictures of your ex, so put them in a folder and bring them out later. Your ex is a piece of the puzzle of your life, and someday when you have children, you can share with them your history in life. My mother was engaged to a man before she met my father and I have always wondered what he looked like. Sure this was 50 years ago before computers, but she did have some pictures and my father made her throw them all away. So I vote to keep them, who knows, maybe your ex boyfriend is your future friend? My ex wife and I are great friends, I even have coffee with her current boyfriend.

think_logic85 · Answer

In order to completely move on. I personally delete everything from the Ex’es.

They are not the same person we fell in love with and they wanted you for one reason or another out of their life by breaking up with you, so that’s exactly what I give them.

Plus holding on to things like that can cause unnecessary problems with your future partner & I don’t want the problem to be caused by an Ex, who I don’t care about anymore.

The experiences you had, the memories you had, stay in your heart & mind, you don’t need a picture to remind you of that, unless you just fondly keep looking at them, which would be a huge waste of time & space for someone who mopped the floor with you.

It also hinders your ability to move on by holding on to stuff like that.

Unless it’s a clothing item that I really like or something practical I get rid of everything else.

HereBeDragons · Answer

I keep the photos as it was a point in my life that happened and worth remembering. I don't keep them to pine over what was lost, but rather to remember a time and person in my life that influenced who I am today.

For me, to erase those photos is akin to trying to wipe out part of my past. Painful or joyous, it still happened, and they changed me for better or worse.

I've only dated one person who got upset about me having those photos. We didn't last, it went down in flames, and yet I have photos of her and I together. Lol.

hayzlenut420libra · Answer

Do as you see fit... My fb still has photos of my recent ex but she is deserving of the fact im keeping them.. She really wasn't a horrible person... She was just crazy and we weren't good for each other. However... I did cherish our time together and have nothing but good memories so i say im keeping them.. I still wish i had the video she allowed me to record of her enhiying the taste of her friends pussy... Fyi was delicious from the kissing after.. Her friends pussy was on her lips. And all in her mouth... But i would really enjoy watching that right about now.

lyannamormont · Answer

It's stupid to delete photos. Like when you delete photos, will you also delete memories good or bad? I would not wanna delete photos at all as they remind me of good times, and i dont wanna remember anyone in a bad way, including an ex whom i broke up with on bad terms. Plus bad memories, and bad experienced with them gives you new experiences to not repeat again in your future relationships. So photos reminding good or bad things should stay as part of your body. So you can truly know you are moved on, once you are able to look at the photos without heartache.

williamsa1997 · Answer

I think with memories that I want to remember I'd keep them, although I'd probably store them well out of sight in case the pain is too much, with nudes and such I don't see the point in deleting them, I just wouldn't share them or anything, personal use only, just as intended when they were sent.

I guess if they asked me to delete them I'd delete the nudes, not the underwear stuff though.

Basically I wouldn't really delete any, and anything incriminating or embarrassing to the girl I'd be very careful to not let others see it, because that'd be a horrible move to share their nudes, like I've had my best friend share on one occasion a photo of his girlfriend in their underwear with me to basically prove how beautiful she is and how lucky he was to have her, which personally I wouldn't do, but at least it wasn't a "hey, look at her hot body, feel free to enjoy that photo" kinda thing, that'd just be plain wrong.

All this is about a hypothetical future girlfriend, single atm ):

freakyzeaky · Answer

I delete them, at least off of my social media. I don't want any future dates or SOs to see my ex. It is better to leave that in the past. I have all the memories in my head. Any pictures we have printed, I keep in a box and store it away.

It is better that way I think. Moving on can be hard enough without having a constant reminder.

Now if the relationship ended on 100% mutual terms and I was friends with her, that would be a different story. I'd probably keep some pics, but not all of them.

hamzam · Answer

I do. I keep them all to remember good times. Photos are photos that's all. However if you're in love with the guy in the photo then is different and you need to rectify it especially if you have a man. But I keep mine to remember all the shit I did, also, to remember certain situations. If a problem arises sometimes seeing the photo you can remember that you've dealt with the problem before and how you dealt with it. Memory is key to. Learning and changing old behavior as well. Photos, as well as smells can help with that.

Fitness-Fanatic · Answer

Delete.

Even if we parted on good terms, I'd delete them.

I have no need to keep anything of sentimental value of my ex. I move forward with my life after a relationship fails. I don't hold onto anything that I put behind me. I prefer to create new memories on my own, or with someone new. I'm not sentimental

stoner2688 · Answer

Yes I have kept the pics of my ex... She dumped me to b wid sum other guy but my love fr her was true so culdnt frgt her or delete our memories.. initially I had kept them in phone but I jus kept looking at them Nd missing her Nd got into depression imagining her wid sumbdyelse so I decided to delete her pics but then it was like the onli memories I had wid her so I decided to move them to a pendrive Nd Il see them wen I m dying jus before I leave this world.. it's like I have put a part of my soul in the pendrive..

JustALonelySoul · Answer

I would delete them because I don't need to remember a past relationship, I don't need to reminisce on the past. I know who I am and I don't need photos to tell me who and what I am. Heck, a lot of the times it just causes jealousy having pictures. If you have a girlfriend there is no reason to have photos of past relationships. In a way I view it as someone who just hasn't truly lost all their emotion for their ex, and that isn't healthy for a relationship no matter how you try to think about it.

thatguyfromtoronto · Answer

I have a few but I would have to backtrack on my emails. I don't care about her anymore, the minute I find another girl who I may potentially marry I will make sure anything from girls I use to know and talk to ex-girlfriends is deleted for good.

I don't need that shit in a new place, with a new girl, and with a new dream. There is a reason why they are your ex, I say it's best to delete everything because this person is not someone you have to think about or try to be in touch with (unless you had a kid together) and if that's not the case then end it, you will feel better.

melanieeeB · Answer

I delete the texts, numbers but I keep pictures, in a folder at my pc where I don't really look at them lol

Eve_Up · Answer

Its your choice. if you can ctrl your emotions so there is no problem. but maybe in the future you meet a guy who is sensitive and he gets upset with you because of your videos and pictures. I think its better to delete them, that wouldn't make any issues in the future.

Dyedhalo1 · Answer

You'll move on, you will change your mind. And those memories are never gone. You might not remember them for a while but the next time you find yourself in a similar situation you'll think back and know what you do. And you'll be able to tell people about it, and use thinks you like to be positive towards others

akiru · Answer

Leave the past behind when starting a new future. Unless there is an extremely high chance you'll get back together, let them live as memories not pictures.

When you meet someone new you'll want to delete them else your knew found love might not feel comfortable knowing you think back on your previous love affairs, especially if you have a fight they'll believe you secretly wish you were back in the other relationship.

Voider · Answer

It depends on the ex... if it was a girl I was actually in love with, or a situation I can look back on favorably, most likely, yes. I'll make a backup of the unique/good ones, take all of them off my phone (so they're not immediately visible every day), and set the FB copies to private. It's useful for growth.
The ones I delete are the cheaters, the instigators, the one who called the cops with a bogus story that I broke into her apartment... those are all gone.
But the women I've really loved are an engrained part of my person and I carry those lessons with me, for better or worse.

PoliceLivesMatter · Answer

Believe me, after awhile after deleting the pics, you'll feel much better. Keeping them doesn't help.

LaFemmeFatale · Answer

I don't delete old photos. I think that each part of my past is valuable and I don't want to forget them. I keep these photos and everything that reminds me them. But I rarely remember them. I used to save gifts they gave me, I lost them tho. but I still keep diaries where there's written our love stories.

MagganM · Answer

I really think it depends on many factors. If the photos in question are good ones of you there's no real reason to delete them. Also, if the photo represents a good memory you should keep them. While some relationships ends badly, and you may hate your ex at the moment, and even for the next few years, you won't always be angry and you will miss the memories if you stumble across them later.

Personally, I keep photos because many of them also contain our child so that's also a factor.

Richareens · Answer

I'd feel hurt if my boyfriend still had pics of his exes on his phone especially when I've already deleted pics of all the guys I used to flirt with and talk to. If he's moved on already, I don't see what's the purpose. It's especially unfair when he told me to block those guys yet he can have pics of them. If he can have pics of them, I will too. That's my thinking.

C2000 · Answer

They are a part of your life, pictures, cards, videos, etc... regardless of what anyone thinks it is perfectly normal and within your right to keep them for memories sake.

It is always nice to have things that remind you of good times, nomatter when or who the good times are with. an ex is just like an old friend or aquaintance.

AvgCdnJoe · Answer

Depends on the circumstances. The bitches that cheated on me I deleted. The ones where we ended on decent terms and I sort of wish it hadn't ended I keep.

erich1953 · Answer

Surely it would be better to eliminate all memories of the ex. This is usually done in the initial rage or disappointment. But he or she was part of your life and there were good times despite the separation. And sometimes it is just that, especially with the first, great love, you still have feelings that you can not eliminate. I keep these pictures because they are in the head anyway.

Hannah591 · Answer

I keep them, mainly because my memory is poor so they can bring back a lot of memories, good or bad. I keep pictures of people I no longer am friends with or do not like any more for that reason. I don't think it's weird or does any harm.
I keep the profile pictures as well, but just make them visible to me.

elswilson199 · Answer

I think when you loved them or do still love them you keep it as a memory. However, if you broke up on bad terms and he made you angry for a long period of time you're more likely to delete the pictures straight away because you don't want to be reminded of the way that person treated you

juanignacio92 · Answer

Depends. In most cases, I keep, some girls stand out, and make for great memories and we always make up and stay friends.. on the other hand, I tend to cut all forms of communication, recordings or photos are deleted and the girl is left behind with all of it. It's all based on the circumstances of the relationship or break up.

beingtaken · Answer

Initially I don't delete the pictures. But after a while, when I realise that I'm just looking at our pictures (me and my ex) and I'm just remembering all the memories which just upsetting myself then I delete those pictures. As everything begins with recalling the memories.

tkevo · Answer

How & why did you guys break up? Was there a reasonable explanation as to why you 2 broke up? Like, health reasons (you guys aren't compatible healthwise), were you guys being honest with your feelings with each other?(the love lost and was just holding on to the relationship out of pitty). It really does matter the circumstances & conditions for the breakup, but if you both still talk to each other with respect for one another, then yes, you can keep the pictures, it'll help to remind you that you're capable of loving someone & being happy, and that you're mature enough to know what's best for you and that the actions of others are totally out of your control & at best you have total control of your feelings. So keep them, the happiness they bring helps retain your sanity... at least.

RayKelzi · Answer

Delete.. You don't need to keep these pictures of the past to remember all about the good memories or what you learned that time..
The memories will always stays in your mind.. And the hard lessons definitely will not need a reminder..
So remove those old pictures and make way for the new..

Nukina · Answer

I had a hard time deciding what to do with the photos of my ex, because I love photos and memories.
I saved them (digital pictures) in a place I don't frequent regularly and erased them from my PC and phone.
Maybe, someday when I hold no bad feelings or memories of him, I might look for those photos, but I seriously doubt it now because when I put them away I tried to treasure those good times, and now I think I have move on that matter...

maxie95 · Answer

I generally keep them for 6 months to a year after the break up, then delete because I've learned most of the good memories were just lies anyway. I know it sounds a bit bitter but unfortunately how I feel about my exs, haven't regret deleting them either.

sp1dy · Answer

Past is unchangeable. It's like a book out of press, that can not be edited. So what about it? Your past needs reference, smiles and tears both. Because they teach and tell tales of your journey so far.

Let it be a lesson and learn from it, while having a laugh about it. Going along the same lines as you explained, when you become grand parents, and you are flicking away memories, you are going to have a serious laugh thinking "Damn! This was me? Was I on drugs or what?"

Pitta12 · Answer

I don't like taking pics to keep them but if I do take photos I keep them, if I am on it, the rest also kept, so if new girlfriend would want them gone, I can propose to only dispose those. :) But i always lose everything so even if you don't care, he might like those pics.

SteelPanther · Answer

To comply the general push, I delete them, but it is funny how weak people are. Girls are afraid the guys will seek back the pre life, guys dont learn to clean up after a breakup, and we, who actually know how to manage it, suck it up and forced to hide/remove memories of our life, because the majority can't deal with their own stuff :) thank you for listening.

Kaffie · Answer

I keep them. I don't exactly have the best memory so it's nice to have something to look at and listen to. Though I delete anything the other person wants erased and I expect the same from them. I delete all nudes for example. Just because I'm no longer together with them doesn't mean I can't be respectful.

KevinJohannOliviet · Answer

I still have chats from our first ever text (4 years ago) to the very end. Every single picture she send me and every picture i found with her in. Reason for holding on to it? I really dont know guess i still love her too much to throw away everything i lived for.

jtrend419 · Answer

It depends on the break up. I am an emotional guy prone to overreacting, so if its a bad break up and i feel resentment, i might delete everything out of spite onky to regret it later.

Luckily I have had mural break ups and haven't destroyed everything. I have gotten rid of a lot, but some pictures like prom photos, or special moments I kept. I still talk to one of my exs

That1ShyGirl · Answer

Keep them. The important ones at least. Even if they hurt now, and you want to burn them or something out of anger, you always want them later.

I think everyone needs the reminder of the good times, to keep sane and not turn bitter for life.

RadAngelKid · Answer

I usually hide them in a deep place that I don't get to often.. I do that after keeping the pic for the first period of the breakup because if I hide them right after the breakup I know I'll go find them again. So I keep them for a while and then when I find myself slowly moving on I hide the heck out of them. I put them in a USB memory flash. I don't use that thing so I forget them.

saltysunshine · Answer

What id do is put them on google and never look at them till you're completely over him. I miss all the cute pictures we took im pretty damn over him but a part of me still misses him. I don't know man its your call. But its best not to look at them when you're trying to get over him. Out of sight out of mind

NineBreaker · Answer

Generally, I keep everything. I rarely receive media that is compromising, but if I did, I would delete it almost immediately. I generally discourage transmitting anything that is compromising even if it is to a trusted individual. Why? Because very few people can be trusted, and we have people in this world we call "hackers", most dangerous of which are black hats.

albertocast · Answer

Keep them. Dont look at them for the moment but in the future im sure they will bring back memories and tbh its your life so its worth keeping it. On the other hand if the guy was a complete asshole all the time/the relationship was bad af you may consider not keeping them

butterbiscuits · Answer

The ones where he took my phone and took a bunch of selfies, I deleted. The other ones, are just buried in my 1000+ photos. It feels petty to take the time to delete them.

AziriusRU77 · Answer

Definitely delete. There's a reason you broke up with him. To start afresh, you need to let go completely. Sure it will hurt, give it time, it will fade away and probably you won't even remember this part of your life in a few years.
P. s. Real pain is when you have pictures of your ex on Google drive and it somehow always gives an error when you try deleting them. 😅 #stuck for life

flyawaygibbon · Answer

I keep the pictures as a reminder to why we broke up and to show what i looked like when i was younger. The only issue i have about my girlfriends exs is when she tells me that his current girlfriend is an asshole and she can steal him back if she wanted to.

bwinbig_87 · Answer

I agree with OP. Its best to keep them. No matter what, the images and videos are a reminder of the times spent. Not all the bs if there was any. And its not a capture of the breakup. The mind can change and add to memories, so the original memory can be lost. Pictures and video helps retain that.

witherwing · Answer

I didn't have that many in the first place, but have deleted all pictures, along with texts and everything else in relation to them really.

Anonymous · Answer

When you're at that point where you can delete all the photos and the texts, throw out the gifts and cards and delete their number without it affecting you... That's when you're truly over that person.
But depending on the relationship, that can take a long long time.

cookie_monster007 · Answer

If ot Broke your heart in the breakup process instead of you breaking his, you should delete them. Because you wouldn't look up and find other partners for your life. You will remember all the good times you guys had and never go out to find someone else

Norsie · Answer

They were dead weight for me.
I don't believe in the whole "Don't delete pictures of your past. They are memories, good or bad."
because i don't work that way, it just made me hang on to something that wasn't there harder... a true waste of energy.

PasticheGrizzly · Answer

I delete the pics/number and throw away the gifts. He was a ass about it. I don't need that In my life. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Goodwifie · Answer

haha my dating years was when we only had film cameras boys and girls.  but yes have thrown out all of the ex boyfriend photos.

dontBshy · Answer

I gave a couple , I don't look at them like my x tho after break up more like a friend only the one's I liked as a cool as friend then or now , everybody else deleted.. no pictures with people that has way more bad memories than good , have one pic of a bad relationship I keep it for the memory tho , not her. A good time is a good time.

mrthreelefts · Answer

I actually have a picture an ex sent me of her wearing my highschool class ring on her finger as a promise ring... that never happened cause she lived in Florida and I'm from Texas, but that memory was to good for me to lose. I don't know what will happen if my wife ever find the picture.

SuperEunuch · Answer

Keep. Even after we break up, we will still be friends and love each other forever. I don't understand how you can decide you love a person and then one day you never want to see them again and the same thing happens over and over how does that make sense?

red_knight · Answer

I keep everything, it's not for leverage, it's for me. I keep memories. Good bad and ugly, I love playing through emotions...

Astoriana · Answer

I deleted the photos of all of my exes save one. I only kept them because he is the only ex with whom I do not have a combative relationship. We broke up because I moved, not because we stopped wanting to be together.

Do you keep or delete pictures of your ex?

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