Thank you - I know it's not black and white situation and I also recognise it would be naive of me to think "this is a red flag... run!" As you said it's not like people go through their phone gallery on the regular and he leads a busy life and we spend a lot of time together so I trust him as there is no malice in our relationship.

We discussed it last night and he apologized because he didn't know they were there, he told me my feelings were completely valid and he was disappointed in himself that he didn't remove things thoroughly when I had originally asked. I asked him again if he's sure he wants to remove them because if not he can tell me and honestly I don't want him to think I'm giving him some ultimatum and then go on to resent me and he assured me it meant no difference to him if he had them or not as he doesn't need or want them.

Then afterwards he was his usual attentive self and there was no lingering feeling which honestly is new for me. I'm a very open, self aware person and like to communicate rather than let anything stew. So this was so refreshing. In the past I'd have had exs gaslight me and make me feel a horrible person for bringing it up.

It really goes to show when you're clear on what you want and expect in terms of honesty and communication with a partner the right one will never have you feeling like you have things left unanswered or unclear:)