Dear CeCe,
I finally noticed my ex took the CDs I had before we got together. These date back to long before we started dating and have special meaning to me. How do I get them back?
– I Want My Music Back
Dear I Want My Music Back,
I feel you. Music is intensely personal. Music can change our moods and create joy. There is no one clear cut answer to this question. Even in the best circumstances you may not be able to get them back. The first step in trying is to make a list of all the CDs in question.
If your relationship is a good one, you can simply ask to have them back. If there is a misunderstanding about who owns them, working from the list, you can suggest splitting them, or asking your ex to pick up the cost, or share the cost of replacing them. If money is an issue, I suggest checking thrift stores. Many people are clearing out CDs and going 100% digital. Another possibility, if you have a library of digital music, is to collaborate with your ex to “borrow” the CDs and download them to your digital library.
If the relationships is bad and you are legally splitting up, the CDs should be part of the division of property. Provide your attorney with the list of CDs to have them included.
Good luck reclaiming your music. I hope you get the CDs back soon.
CeCe
