I came across old photos of my ex-girlfriend while randomly going through my old phone. It’s been a while, but I haven’t deleted them. Now I’m stuck on this issue and I don’t know whether to open them or not. Is it normal for things like this to linger? Or should I learn to not dwell on the past this much?
I went through something like this 2 years ago; I had seen old photos. I brought it up directly, didn’t prolong it at all. I asked, ‘Why is it still here, does it have any meaning?’ And she said, it’s an old phone after all, I had forgotten about it. It really was like that, and in that moment, I felt relieved. But if you keep it inside, it definitely grows.
Honestly, it’s an old phone after all, the guy might have just forgotten. I don’t think everyone bothers to completely erase the old stuff, especially since you said it’s been quite a while, so I believe it’s unnecessary to read too much into it. But if it’s bothering you, you probably won’t be able to relax without asking.
Listen girl, you need to talk openly about everything in the relationship. If a person doesn’t hide anything from their loved one, the relationship becomes secure. Sit down with your boyfriend and speak nicely, not by getting angry or obsessing. But if you continue to doubt his explanations, that’s another issue.
I have a question, does he/she use this phone regularly? Or is it an old thing that’s sitting in the drawer? Because if he/she is using it, it would be a bit strange not to delete it since it must come up constantly. If he’s/she’s using a new one, then it makes sense not to notice it 
Here’s the thing, if they haven’t deleted the old photo, it doesn’t necessarily make them question their relationship with you. But your discomfort should make them reflect on a few things as well. For example, why did they feel the need to keep it? Partners need to be considerate of each other in these situations 
What kind of logic is this? Does everyone who keeps photos of their exes feel something? Some people forget to delete photos, and some don’t want to erase the past completely. I think you’re blowing this out of proportion without realizing it; no matter what the guy does, he can’t win.
The topic of old photos should be evaluated more from individuals’ habits than from their emotional attachments. Most people never clear the content on an old device because it requires extra effort. However, if you have sensitivity, you can still address it by sharing your feelings.
Let me update you: The phone was just sitting in the drawer, it’s not something they actively use. But what I’m stuck on is that some of those photos are private poses. So I’m wondering if that gives it some meaning; it might not just be a simple case of forgetfulness 
I think you should ask clearly and directly, “Your phone may be old or it could be in a drawer, but why haven’t these special photos been deleted, does it mean anything?” If you’re confused, asking for clarification like this is both your right and a more comfortable solution.