Souvenirs From Your Ex: Gay Men Share The Stories Behind Old Relationship Keepsakes

Break-ups are renowned for being incredibly crap. With the only consolation being that you might get to keep a souvenir (or two) of your time spent together.

But even that small and inanimate - or sometimes animate - object can harbour many memories and feelings that you don't necessarily want to hold on to.

Now, a collaborative project between Hello Mr, a magazine for gay men, and photographer Sam Evans-Butler aims to unearth the stories and emotions behind relationship souvenirs.

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“When Sam pitched the idea to editor Ryan Fitzgibbon, the story really spoke to him because he himself had a ‘souvenir’ from his ex and felt that this was a story that would speak to a lot of people,” assistant editor Francisco Tirado told BuzzFeed News.

“In these simple stories, the series explores that peculiar fondness we feel for an object, despite the not-so-fond feelings we might not have for the person associated with it.”

From precious stones and stuffed huskies to the entire series of Will & Grace (now that's what we call an epic keepsake), here are the entries - and their moving stories - which have been shared so far...

A week after my ex and I made it official, he gave me this beautiful Husky puppy plush. I named her Artemis right away because I was really happy. Unfortunately, things didn't work out and I couldn't just throw her away. She's been with me 2 years now and counting . Not sure why she made that face . #YourSouvenir @hellomr @needsupply

A photo posted by William Rojas (@sir_williamxx) on Feb 12, 2015 at 2:04pm PST

He never bothered getting his collection of "precious" back, and I still wonder if it is because I once was part of it. #YourSouvenir @hellomr @needsupply

A photo posted by SpaceshipAvenue (@spaceshipavenue) on Feb 12, 2015 at 12:45am PST

My ex gave me his complete series of Will&Grace on DVD because I was a bigger fan than he was. Some of the discs skip and it reminds me that not all relationships need to work out. You can just go to the next episode until it works again. #YourSouvenir @hellomr @needsupply

A photo posted by @timjabrams on Feb 12, 2015 at 10:02am PST

After my ex and I broke up, the only thing I could look at and not feel broken was this hat. It's a huge hat. When I wear it, I feel all the confidence I never naturally had. He knew that when he bought it for me, and it's a lesson I'll carry forever. @hellomr @needsupply #YourSouvenir

A photo posted by Eddy (@edgyramos) on Feb 11, 2015 at 10:35am PST

This is @markgrattan, furniture designer and builder, with his cat Amiga—a gift from the first guy he ever dated. : @samevansbutler. This story (and more) are now featured on @Buzzfeed LGBT! Link in our bio to see these misters inspire #YourSouvenir. Only four more days to post yours, tagging @hellomr and @needsupply for a chance to win $500.

A photo posted by Hello Mr. (@hellomr) on Feb 11, 2015 at 12:00pm PST

He forgot his favorite Pabst Blue Ribbon baseball cap. I was angry enough to keep it and just trashy enough to wear it. #yoursouvenir @needsupply @hellomr

A photo posted by Tony | Photog | RVA (@alcphotos1) on Feb 11, 2015 at 8:16pm PST

It's never lost on me that these things my exes gave me — the coat from my shittiest breakup and the scarf my first boyfriend gave me for Christmas — still keep me warm each winter. #YourSouvenir @hellomr @needsupply

A photo posted by Adam Griffiths (@griffithsadam) on Feb 11, 2015 at 9:16am PST

@editorinchic of @wetheurban was seeing a guy who gave him a stainless steel flask with his initials engraved in it. On their first date. “So fitting as he knew I'm a connoisseur of all things whiskey.” See the rest of our souvenirs by @SamEvansButler on @Buzzfeed! Link in our bio. What’s #YourSouvenir? Tag @hellomr and @needsupply before Sunday to win $500.

A photo posted by Hello Mr. (@hellomr) on Feb 12, 2015 at 10:00am PST

My first boyfriend lent me his copy of Intimate Connections by David Burns. Despite having poured over it, First Boyfriend found himself completely incapable of applying its concepts. His self-sabotage (in some bizarre way) birthed my self-success. I have now read it several times; it has been my guide in processing complex emotions and combatting self-doubt. #duh ✋ #YourSouvenir #hellomr #needsupply #intimateconnections #davidburns

A photo posted by Andrew J. (@anderooney) on Feb 10, 2015 at 11:57am PST

It's important to remember love even if it's long gone. My ex was my first love and a big part of my teens. I recently found notes that we had left each other when we were young and before the pressures of the gay closet were too big to handle. She was there for me the whole way through so I never discarded the letters. Young love is great and you no one should regret it. I wouldn't change anything. — Share #yoursouvenir. Thanks for making me dig, @hellomr @needsupply

A photo posted by Mick Côté (@cotemick) on Feb 11, 2015 at 5:06am PST

Got a story to share? Instagram a picture of your relationship souvenir with #YourSouvenir.