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Canadian CrowdScience listener Kerry started thinking about his sentimental attachment to his possessions when he began sorting through an old trunk, full of objects from his past. He wants to know why sentimentality is such a strong feeling.

Anand Jagatia investigates what triggers those sentimental moments that make us well up. Why do we get so attached to objects? And is it useful to get weepy about meaningful events in our lives?

He talks to researchers and finds out that sentimentality might not be an emotion at all, but actually a trigger that can activate feelings about the past that may be sad or happy. That keepsake you brought home from your holiday may stir memories about days gone by - and that’s one reason why we may find it hard to part with possessions… because they help us to access our emotions.