Suppose I have a thing. I've acquired the thing many years ago but still have it. As far as I know, a correct phrase describing the said situation would be:
I've been having this thing for years.
And if I use the following:
I've had this thing for years.
It doesn't imply that I still have it. Am I correct? If so, can I use the following phrase instead of the first?
I have this thing for years.
Is it allowed?