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My ex returned only some things I had given him

MilosMomma1218
MilosMomma1218
04/22/25 8:52pm
My ex returned only some of the things that I had given him in the past...we were together for about 5 years. What does this mean when he hung on to some items, but not others?
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wikiHow Editorial Team
wikiHow Editorial Team
04/22/25 8:53pm
If your ex is holding on to items of yours or things you gave him, he may have a sentimental attachment to them. The two of you were together for a long time, so the relationship was likely a very meaningful part of his life. With this in mind, it makes sense that he’d want to keep some things that remind him of the time you shared.
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wikiHow Expert
Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
Psychotherapist
05/01/25 5:59pm
When a relationship ends, we often want to analyze everything in hopes that we can feel our ex-partner still cares or wants to continue. It’s like we want to take pieces of a puzzle and make them mean something. I caution people to try not to do this, but rather get clear signals from their ex-partner. This means actual words about wanting to get back together and/or actions that show they want to resolve the relationship.

I am a licensed clinical social worker providing general information for educational purposes only. I am not liable for any decisions made or actions taken based on the information provided.
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