r/ROCD•
Lost-Ice-1065

How to hold on to good memories despite ROCD associations?

A few months ago, I went on a vacation with my boyfriend. It was supposed to be a special once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it was, but I was in a bad headspace for most of it. After the trip my boyfriend told me that I was acting weird and distant the whole time to the point where he was reconsidering if we were compatible. This triggered a horrible spiral and now, even though I had a wonderful time on the trip despite not being at my best, I can't look at anything that reminds me of the trip without feeling sick and ashamed, from my own souvenirs to photos of the country we visited.

How do I separate my own good memories from the shame of having hurt my boyfriend's feelings, without engaging in reassurance seeking from him? (No commentary on who was right or wrong here please, and we have talked through it too much already so that wouldn't be helpful now.)

Or any suggestions of small exposures I could do relating to the trip so that I can think back on it without feeling triggered?

Posted May 1, 2026, 9:22 PM UTC

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