Millions of Brits admit to keeping love letters for 20 years after breakups

Valentine's Day is almost over and Brits across the country are looking for ways to make the day extra special for their loved ones.

However, millions of people in Britain are holding on to sentimental gifts and items from their ex after a break-up, a new study has found.

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A survey of 2,000 adults who have experienced a breakup found that 35 percent kept valuables from their past relationships.

Cards and love letters were among the most popular items that people struggled to part with, while others clung to jewelry, tickets to events attended together and even items of clothing.

More than half (55 percent) of those who admitted to keeping items said they had owned them for more than 20 years.

39 percent of these people said this is because of the fond memories they have of this item, while 21 percent said it is because they still like and use it.

However, five percent indicate that they kept the item out of revenge from their ex-partner.

Relationship expert, Gemma Nicesaid: “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 an ex's stuff can look bad.

“It's important to think about the reasons why you hold these things. If it brings back bad memories, maybe it's time to let go.

“Parting with these possessions can be a step forward toward healing and progress.”

The survey also found that 46 percent of people thought it was unhealthy to hold on to things from failed romances.

80 percent of those who admitted to keeping items said they had kept as many as 20 things from previous partners.

Of those who chose to remove sentimental items from former flames, 53 percent threw them straight into the trash, 27 percent gave them to charity and 12 percent chose to burn them.

31 percent of these people admitted that getting rid of the items helped them move on.

The items people admitted they found most difficult to look back on were photos, birthday cards and love letters.

27 percent of people said they felt relieved after getting rid of things after a breakup, while 25 percent said they felt sad.

However, 27 percent of people admitted that they ultimately regretted throwing away something sentimental from an ex.

David Titman, head of consumer affairs at Who careswhich asks people to send them old love letters to recycle, said: “We're offering lovelorn Brits the chance to turn their love letters into toilet roll.

“We hope to help the nation turn their ex's sweet things into something useful, while assuring them that someone, somewhere will wipe their ass with it.”

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