Is it time to toss old letters and diaries?
By Lori Tate
@onbigsmile (58)
United States
August 29, 2021 8:59pm CST
I have a lot of old diaries from when I was a small child and a teenager. They are private so I do not want anyone else to read them, but I am cleaning house, and they are jus5 taking up space. I cannot imagine that my kid would want them so I am thinking of throwing them out. What do you think?
I also have many letters I wrote to family and letters I received back from them so far I have found at least five big envelopes stuffed with letters, which are not generally interesting, but show a good history of my life. I do not think I will ever read them again, but am uneasy about tossing all that history. On the other hand, it would give me more room for yarn! Thoughts?
8 people like this
8 responses
@wolfgirl569 (105851)
• Marion, Ohio
30 Aug 21
I did toss a lot of that stuff. But only you can decide what is right for you.
2 people like this
@onbigsmile (58)
• United States
30 Aug 21
People keep saying that. I am having trouble pulling the trigger so I guess that is a sign. Thank you for responding.
1 person likes this
@angelitovillegas (1342)
• Angeles City, Philippines
30 Aug 21
For me i won't! Maybe i'm just a sentimental fool! Bringing memories everytime you read it! The question is are you really ready to toss those memories of you?
1 person likes this
@onbigsmile (58)
• United States
30 Aug 21
Sigh. I just do not know, but I guess until I am sure either way, I will not take action just yet. Thank you for responding. I appreciate it.
@angelitovillegas (1342)
• Angeles City, Philippines
30 Aug 21
@onbigsmile it's not the space that matters, it's the stories behind that every letters of yours, the pains, joys and happiness or even sadness in every pages of your diaries. That was you so many years ago, and that self of you was a great factor of whom you are right now! Is it amazing to reminisce the young version of you?
@RebeccasFarm (89831)
• Arvada, Colorado
30 Aug 21
Well is there no one to give them to in family at all..they might want those Lori
1 person likes this
@Michellekidwell (29389)
• Sonora, California
30 Aug 21
Personally I tossed some things away when I was younger that I now regret, but you have to do what’s right for you…
1 person likes this
@gbr2usa2chn (45)
• Zhengzhou, China
1 Sep 21
Well, the content is everything right? Maybe take photos, have an album named as "old letters and diaries".
See if you like it
@sallypup (60954)
• Centralia, Washington
31 Aug 21
This is one whompas question. I have been preparing for a move- preparing and preparing. My Mom loved to write letters and send cards. I still hate what I did- I tossed most of her mail. I have a little, though. Her handwriting was so precious. I have scads of journals because I am a writer. I scribble. Some day I guess my daughter will get to stare at the real me. At least I won't be around to blush. Maybe I will be able to haunt her. And yes they do take up room.
@merrybelle2021 (1393)
• Philippines
30 Aug 21
I have the same problem.
Maybe you can start with the diaries from your childhood to teenage years for now - since you said they are private and you don't want anyone else to read them.
