Ever throw away favorites because

biscuitsmom

You were wearing them when something terrible happened? I've had this happen several times. The latest was when B got his cancer diagnosis. I cant even look at the outfit I was wearing that day. Anyone else experience this?

12 years ago

Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from Glory

Inge

(website)

Moderator

I completely get that, BM, the clothes are then so emotionally tied in with the bad experience that you can't wear them again without thinking back to that moment. (I have a very similar thing with music, there are songs I still can't listen to to this day without feeling a sense of sadness and loss).

More supportive hugs for you and Biscuit.

12 years ago

Sara L.

Veteran

Yes, totally. Two years ago I donated the skirt and top I was wearing when my doctor told me I was going to have a miscarriage (no heartbeat). It's better to just get rid of the stuff than think of whatever negative thing happened while wearing it.

I also tend to hang on to clothes that remind me of happy events even if I can no longer wear them. I still have the top I was wearing when I met my husband and there's no way I could ever wear it again (super cropped, tummy baring shirt).

12 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

Makes perfect sense to me. I never again wore the outfit that I had on when I had to rush to the hospital when my Dad passed away. When I finally got home several hours later, I tossed that top and those pants into the garbage without a second thought because I never wanted to see them again.

12 years ago

Anonymous

Sara L, I can relate. In September, I bought 3 inexpensive ponte dresses to wear during the "I'm too bloated for my regular clothes but can't wear maternity yet" stage. I wore them only a handful of times before I miscarried at the end of October. Now I just want to get rid of those dresses because that's what they remind me of.

12 years ago

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

Yes, the top I wore when I gave my mother's eulogy....brings up too much..

12 years ago

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Thanks, ladies.... DH thinks I'm nuts for feeling this way. Should've NOT worn a favorite shirt....just wanted to be comfy..knew it was going to be a long day, just didn't realize how long and how horrible.....

12 years ago

Nicole D

Veteran

I agree with you - I had a suit that was worn on an awful work day and I have just consigned it, even though it was a well loved item.

12 years ago

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Thanks, gurl!

12 years ago

K. Period.

Veteran

Me too. Not clothes, specifically, but I stopped reading a book that I was really enjoying because it seemed to have bad energy. Things just seemed to go bad whenever I tried to read it. Nothing lasting (fortunately), but some really horrible scares and scary times. I smudged it with a sage stick and donated it...and I don't even really believe in smudging. Somehow, emotionally, I just felt like it needed something to sanitize it and my space. Superstitious or not, sometimes we just need a ritual or act to help us close our minds on something bad. (Big hugs!)

12 years ago

missvee

Veteran

Absolutely! I threw out the entire outfit I wore to my father's funeral. It was dark green, and I've never bought that colour again. Still such a powerful association.

12 years ago

missvee

Veteran

I meant to comment on your other thread, I'm so sorry about your dear Biscuit. I know you've done everything right in caring for him and I hope you can enjoy the time he has left.

12 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

I think it is entirely reasonable to shed things that remind you of unhappiness.

12 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

The outfit I wore the day I had to make the ultimate call for my fur baby. He was dying of lymphoma and we had done everything we could. He had come home to spend his last few weeks in the comfort of the familiar. And he got too sick to stand and make it to the box on his own. Hardest decision I ever made in my life. I was wearing a burgundy twinset I loved as i held him. It is still hanging in the far back corner of the closet. I can't wear it but I can't seem to let it go either.

12 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh absolutely. I got rid of the sweater I was wearing the night my mother died. I couldn't bear to look at it.

12 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

Very interesting. I have been wrestling with this, too. The coat I was wearing when taken hostage.... makes total sense, BM. I am glad I am not the only one considering this!

12 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I wore a favorite dress on a date that turned sour - but I quickly wore it again on a day I knew that would be fabulous (we went to go see a corpse flower!) - so the dress is neutral again in my closet

12 years ago

MsMaven

Veteran

Nearly half my wardrobe had to go after I was confronted with devastating news. One of these days I will post about the experience.

12 years ago

Glory

Veteran

Yes. I say get rid of those things that evoke such pain and sadness. Right out of the house. I purged a huge chunk of my closet when my youngest was having open heart surgery and slipped into a coma. She was in hospital over one month and I could not bear to wear any of those items again - including (and especially) the shoes. Not sure why - probably from standing for such long periods I was so aware of how much feet hurt.

12 years ago

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