Shecky’s

One of the most awkward parts of breaking up is giving back each other’s stuff. We’ve gotta admit to having a few former flame’s items: an all-boys school sweatshirt, a few video games, maybe even a whole tool set. One Shecky’s Staffer didn’t give back her ex’s stuff…she got some charitable revenge.

“I’d been dating this dude for a while and his stuff had really piled up at my house. One day, he dumped me (totally out of the blue) for some other chick—without snapping up his stuff first. Me, being the smart-cookie in the relationship, knew he had a shady player-status past, so I was careful to take my belongings with me each time I stayed over.

A week or so after our messy break-up, I was shocked when he had the balls to text me with, ‘Hey, can I come get my stuff back? Those shoes you have are my go-tos.’ My stubborn (and okay a little immature) streak came out: would I want to see this guy ever again? No. Did I want to give him his beloved collection of snazzy shoes, Banana Republic tees and boxers back? Also negative. Two hours later I shot back, ‘Oops! I already gave your stuff to some guy outside my building. Sorry!’ He was pissed…but he totally bought it.

The truth? His stuff stayed in my closet for months until it was time to move. I felt guilty about not making good on my thrifty promises, so I took his belongings to Goodwill. Hopefully his stuff is outfitting someone who actually needs them. So much better than giving them back to my evil ex!”

Let it out, ladies! What’s the most awkward sitch you’ve ever had to deal with after a break-up? Do you still keep an ex-boyfriend’s (or ex-hubby’s) belongings? Why? Have you ever done a ring and run to give a former flame’s belongings back? Or have you been able to exchange shared stuff civilly after you were over?