honestly deleted them (text messages with ex) while i was still in a state of panic and shock from the breakup, and even though i regret it now and wish i could re-read it just to hurt my self and feelings, im glad it got deleted.
I fight the urge to. I blocked and deleted every conversation that makes me feel odd or question myself including the ones I feel like the person is ignoring me
8
Remarkable-Star6061Mar 28, 2026
+2
thats really good,, reading old convos can suck and damage your mental health so good job
2
Putrid_Bluejay_9807Mar 28, 2026
+2
Thank you 😊
2
smurfopolisMar 28, 2026
+8
Never have I ever had the urge to go through old texts, until now.
My partner of 10 years passed suddenly a few years ago and so did one of my best friends, and now I'm wondering if we still have conversations on my phone since it's 6 years old. I'm too scared to look though because I know it will probably hurt more than comfort.
8
courage_cowardlyDog9Mar 28, 2026
+1
Same here, lost my partner of 8 years about two years ago. I have all the messages but never once opened them, it would haunt me.
1
Saucy_StepsMar 28, 2026
+3
Yes, when I’m obsessed with ”the guy”😆 try to find something more between words…
3
quietpause_spaceMar 28, 2026
+2
Who want to get hurt like that again? It's better to delete all messages, pics everything.
2
Remarkable-Star6061Mar 28, 2026
+1
unfortunately, i am a self sabotager and like to self harm emotionally. i did delete all messages and pics tho when i was first in distress so thank god for that
1
Confident_Force_7343Mar 28, 2026
+2
Yes & No, because my old phone died, along the conversation, which hurt me at first because i sometimes re-read it (mostly for memories), but now i think i can finally moved on.
However, the phone is currently under repaired and has been 2 months with no progression whatsoever.
2
funguy202Mar 28, 2026
+1
I keep the messages. Recently I wrote a letter to him which I’ll never send. In the letter I was angry and hurtful but it doesn’t really matter since he won’t read it anyway. I also don’t let him control the narrative in that way.
1
Remarkable-Star6061Mar 28, 2026
+1
im so proud of you. that is such a good way to cope. i keep a private twitter account where i post everything and anything to get it off my mind and it helps tremendously.
1
greekmom2005Mar 28, 2026
+1
How long did you date?
1
WinrevairMar 28, 2026
+1
I do. I got messages from 2018 lol
1
Excellent-Day4955Mar 28, 2026
+1
There's some beautiful things in one, I don't dare go back because I'll never have that again. And don't dare delete because it was such a big part of my life.
So it just sits there..
1
Key_Client6055Mar 28, 2026
+1
i kept mine for way too long and honestly it did more harm than good. every time i felt lonely id go back and reread them looking for some hidden meaning or trying to figure out exactly where things went wrong. its like picking at a wound that was almost healed
eventually i just exported them to a text file, put it in a folder called "dont open this" and deleted the app chat history. havent opened that folder in over a year now. sometimes just knowing the option exists is enough without actually doing it
1
ill-ursidaeMar 28, 2026
+1
Oof, been there. That delete button feels like a lifeline sometimes, even when you kinda want to torture yourself with the memories later. Guess it's a win-win? You get some distance, and you can still remember all the bad stuff without having the evidence staring you in the face.
16 Comments