The retention of photographs from past romantic relationships is examined in relation to its potential psychological and emotional effects. The discussion suggests that such images can unexpectedly evoke emotional responses, including anger or sadness, even when an individual consciously perceives a relationship as concluded. It is proposed that the nervous system may retain conditioned responses to these visual cues, which could indicate unresolved attachment.
The concept of "emotional blunting" is introduced, described as a protective psychological mechanism where prolonged emotional strain results in a dampened response. This perceived absence of strong feeling is sometimes interpreted as emotional maturity. However, the text argues that genuine emotional completion is characterized by a neutral reaction to these images, rendering them psychologically "unneeded."
The article posits that photographs are not neutral objects but rather cues capable of activating the nervous system. Persistent emotional activation upon encountering these images may signal unfinished attachment, while blunting might indicate unprocessed emotional fatigue. The act of deleting such photographs is presented not as an act of forgetting, but as a potential indicator of, or step towards, emotional resolution concerning past relationships.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/feelings/why-i-deleted-photographs-of-my-exes-and-why-you-should-too-10394151/