Dear Abby,

My girlfriend and I just moved in together. We were opening boxes on Sunday when we both came across some old photos of me and my ex. Needless to say, it got quite uncomfortable after I told Jayme (my girlfriend) I wanted to keep the pictures. When she asked why, I couldn't give her a concrete answer other than they were mine. I could see this hurt her feelings. It's not that I am in love with my ex, it's just that the photos are mine and apart of my past. It's been real quiet in the house for the last few days. How should I handle this mess?

Screwed in Shiocton

Dear Screwed,

Yes, you are indeed screwed. Coming from a woman, you are screwed. To be honest, you have no reason to have those photos on hand. I don't believe that you should be forced to throw them away, but if I was your girlfriend, I would not be thrilled about sharing a house with your past. I still have photos of my ex, but I keep them at my dad's house in Manitowoc because I have no reason to keep them here on hand. Maybe keep your pictures at your parents house. That way you don't have to keep them at your house that you share with your current girlfriend, and yet you're not throwing them away. To be honest, I would be hurt too if I was your girlfriend. If you care about your current relationship, ditch the pictures.