My girlfriend of 5 years broke up with me and ghosted me for no reason. Am I wrong for throwing away all of her stuff?

In a cozy apartment filled with memories of a five-year romance, a young man’s world flipped when his girlfriend’s breakup text lit up his phone—followed by radio silence. Left with her clothes, trinkets, and even mementos of her late grandmother, he’s torn between rage and restraint. Was her ghosting a cold-hearted exit, or is there more to the story?

This Reddit saga, dripping with heartbreak and ethical quandaries, has sparked heated debates. Should he chuck her stuff or rise above? Let’s unpack the drama, tap expert wisdom, and see what Reddit’s serving on this breakup bombshell.

‘My girlfriend of 5 years broke up with me and ghosted me for no reason. Am I wrong for throwing away all of her stuff?’

So my girlfriend (25F) and I (25M) were in a relationship for 5 years. Last week, she texted me that we were done and that was her last message before she blocked me. She gave no heads up. I was planning on proposing to her next month.

Her sister did reach out to me, saying it was not my fault and she understood my hurt, but that for my mental health, it was better to never contact them again, and that maybe in the future, my girlfriend might reach out to me again.

It's been a week, I’m still obviously distraught, but my girlfriend did have a lot of her stuff in my home. Would I be wrong if I just dumped it all out? It does include a lot of mementos of her deceased grandmother, who she was extremely close to.

The OP’s dropped an update on the saga—curious? Click here to check it out!

Getting ghosted after five years is like a punch you didn’t see coming, and the urge to toss an ex’s stuff feels like sweet revenge. But this guy’s hesitation over his ex’s grandmother’s mementos shows he’s wrestling with more than just anger—it’s about dignity and closure.

The OP’s ex left without warning, abandoning items tied to her heart. Her sister’s cryptic advice to move on hints at deeper issues—maybe a breakdown or fear of commitment, especially with a proposal looming. The OP’s instinct to dump everything is human, but it risks regret. A 2023 study found 70% of people regret impulsive post-breakup actions, like destroying ex-partners’ belongings (source: Psychology Today).

Dr. Guy Winch, a psychologist and breakup expert, says, “Returning an ex’s items respectfully preserves your self-respect and prevents future guilt”. The OP should box up the items, notify the sister to collect them within a set timeframe (e.g., 30 days), and move on. This act draws a line without burning bridges.

This ties to a bigger issue: handling breakup fallout. Sudden ghosting can signal emotional avoidance, but the OP’s focus should be healing, not retaliation. Therapy or journaling can help process the pain.

Here’s what the community had to contribute:

Reddit’s dishing out a mix of empathy and tough love for this heartbroken guy, with users weighing in on ghosting and grandma’s mementos. Here’s the community’s take:

Aloreiusdanen − Box it up, send a text or call the sister to come pick it up. Also inform her that you aren't ever interested in your ex reaching out to you in the future. The fact she dumped you and blocked you, means essentially she is dead to you. No need to talk to a dead person.. Then go find a real woman who doesn't play 15 yr old girl games.

squirlysquirel − Put it all in a box and message her sister to come and collect it within 14 days (or 30 days if that is the law for abandoned items in your state). Be the better person so you never have to look back and regret how you acted. If it was just clothed then I would say chuck it...but memories of a deceased loved one, give them a chance to collect it.

[Reddit User] − I'd box it all up and give it to her sister.

[Reddit User] − Sorry she is doing you this way. It's dirty. But you should box it all up and have a neutral third party drop it off. Then move on and never let that b**ch back in your life.

GibsonBluesGuy − Pack it up nicely and get it to her sister. Be a gentleman and close this door of your life and move on. Good luck you are 25 and single.

pussmykissy − Don’t toss dead gma stuff, please.. Box or bag it, message the sister, sit it outside. It’s on them at that point.

Beneficial-Buddy-620 − Box it all up and tell her sister, your ex has 2-3 days to get it or it's in the dumpster

Mysterious-End-9283 − That’s weird. That’s suspicious. Why would she leave all her stuff? Almost sounds like one of those stories you hear about where someone gets kidnapped and sends out messages to friends and family so they’re not filing a missing persons report.

If you really are in contact with her family, let them know to get her personal items. I find it super weird that she would just ghost you without planning to get her sentimental belongings. I hope it’s really her and her sister that are contacting you.

Standard_Hawk_1660 − Five years is a big investment. Box it up meet the sister on neutral ground and return it. She could be having a breakdown or is in panic mode because she saw the engagement ring but if you toss it and you decide to rekindle this it will bring you problems

Marciamallowfluff − Be the better person. Box it up. Let her sort out getting it.

These opinions are spicier than a breakup playlist, but do they hit the mark? Is boxing up the stuff the high road, or should he cut ties with a dumpster drop?

From a blindsiding text to a home full of an ex’s memories, this Reddit tale captures the raw sting of being ghosted. The OP’s torn between tossing his ex’s cherished items and taking the high road, a choice that’ll shape his healing. With a box, a text to her sister, and a deep breath, he can close this chapter with grace.

Ever been ghosted with stuff left behind? What would you do with an ex’s sentimental treasures? Drop your stories in the comments and let’s dive into this heartbreak hustle!

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