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AIBU?

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Old letters

33 replies

Doineedawobble · 21/01/2026 14:31

Moved in together, sorting through our clobber. My DP has a box of old correspondence which includes quite a lot of letters from an ex, this relationship ended more than 20 years ago (when people still wrote to eachother 😀). I have also had letters like this but got rid of them along the way as I couldn't see any value in holding onto them. I haven't said anything but I feel odd about the fact that he's held onto them, she's definitely not the one that got away and to some extent it's more to do with the fact he is a hoarder and this is the first time he's moved in decades. He has yet to 'sort' this box but in the meantime I'm feeling stressed incase they stay in there. If so, how do I even approach this with him? He doesn't know I know they exist.

OP posts:
Doineedawobble · 21/01/2026 14:50

Let me reiterate I have NOT read them. I've listened to your comments and will put this to bed.

OP posts:
Lopteluga · 21/01/2026 14:46

I’m genuinely perplexed about what the issue is. Just put them back and forget they’re there. He’s allowed to have a past and allowed to be sentimental about it, and one box of old letters is hardly hoarding. I also think you reading them (if you have) is a gross invasion of privacy.

CreativeGreen · 21/01/2026 14:46

They're a part of his past, and part of what made him the person you're with now. He keeps stuff, you don't: you might find you have different approaches to all kinds of keepsakes and tokens, and that's ok. Leave it alone now.

Doineedawobble · 21/01/2026 14:45

I've not read them!! I know who they are from as the name and address is on the back of all the envelopes, I absolutely would not want to read them. I know if I asked he would clear them out. It's not the physical space as such, it's only a small box , it's more the idea that he might want to hold onto someone else's words of love adoration. I know I need to give my head a wobble.

OP posts:
Wisperley · 21/01/2026 14:39

GasperyJacquesRoberts · 21/01/2026 14:37

What is your end-goal here? For him to erase his past, or for you to recover the physical space that this box is taking up?

^ This. You should not have read them. We all have past loves. It doesn't mean he loves you any the less.

GasperyJacquesRoberts · 21/01/2026 14:37

What is your end-goal here? For him to erase his past, or for you to recover the physical space that this box is taking up?

CurlewKate · 21/01/2026 14:34

Don’t mention it. Ever. People are allowed a past.

BabetteAteOatmeal · 21/01/2026 14:34

Oh I feel this OP! Also married to a hoarder, had an attic full of boxes including this sort of thing. I dealt with it by telling him I’d looked, seen them and they made me feel insecure and unhappy. He got rid of pretty much everything. I didn’t want that stuff in my space and I think that’s reasonable.