When your ex doesn't want their belongings back and insists that you keep them, it could mean a few different things:
Closure and Moving On: Your ex might be trying to create closure and distance from the relationship by giving up their belongings. By leaving their stuff with you, they are signaling that they are ready to move on and detach themselves emotionally from the past.
Lack of Attachment: It's possible that your ex no longer feels a strong attachment to these items or has already replaced them. In such cases, they might see it as more convenient to let you keep the things rather than going through the effort of retrieving them.
Sign of Goodwill: In some cases, offering to let you keep their belongings could be a gesture of goodwill. It might be their way of showing that there are no hard feelings and that they want to leave things on amicable terms.
Respect for Your Boundaries: Your ex might have recognized that returning their belongings could be emotionally challenging for you. By letting you keep the items, they are respecting your boundaries and avoiding any unnecessary contact that might reopen old wounds.
Practical Reasons: Sometimes, it could be merely practical. They might be moving to a different location or have limited space, and it might not be feasible for them to take everything with them.
Regardless of the reason, if your ex insists that you keep their belongings, it's essential to consider how you feel about the situation. If you are comfortable keeping the items, there's no harm in doing so. However, if having their stuff around makes it harder for you to move on or brings up painful memories, you might want to discuss the matter further with your ex or consider finding another solution for the items (e.g., storing them away, donating them, or returning them with a third party's help).
Ultimately, the decision on what to do with their belongings should be based on what feels right for you and your emotional well-being.