Grudges

[Maddox]

I'll throw in my two cents here, why not?

Don't be fooled by Hollywood interpretations of forgiveness, it's not about easing the offending party's conscience nor does forgiveness mean you have to forget that someone slighted you. Forgiveness simply means you let go of the anger and pain the person caused you. I agree that if someone wrongs you, especially if you give them other chances and they continue to, you should bear that in mind and learn when you can and can't trust someone. That doesn't mean you have to carry that anger and pain forever. You don't have to be angry at someone to know you can't trust them. Constantly carrying around that pain is damaging to you and only you. The offending party isn't bothered by your anger and they aren't worried about your pain. Letting go of those feelings and moving on with your life unburdened by a bunch of useless luggage left behind by someone else is healthy and freeing. Yes, anger is a natural reaction, it's an instinctual defense mechanism and useful at times. But we are also human. We aren't driven solely by instinct like animals are. We can, and should, overcome our baser instincts, especially when they get in the way of our own growth and happiness.