Forgive or not to forgive

[Anonymous]

What do people mean by forgiveness specifically? I can't for instance see myself accept an apology if something was done to me that was very damaging, or something was said that was very hurtful. You cannot take the past back. And to me forgiveness isn't the opposite of resentment. I can have no resentment but also not forgive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What do people mean by forgiveness specifically? I can't for instance see myself accept an apology if something was done to me that was very damaging, or something was said that was very hurtful. You cannot take the past back. And to me forgiveness isn't the opposite of resentment. I can have no resentment but also not forgive.

I see it as letting go. For example my father was really a terrible person, but letting go of my anger towards him benefited me in my life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What do people mean by forgiveness specifically? I can't for instance see myself accept an apology if something was done to me that was very damaging, or something was said that was very hurtful. You cannot take the past back. And to me forgiveness isn't the opposite of resentment. I can have no resentment but also not forgive.

It was previously answered 11/12/2025 12:29

"Forgiveness is about coming to terms to however you were wronged and accepting it."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I said everything I wanted to say to the person who hurt me. I spit it all out before continuing with my life somewhere else. No forgiveness here.

It appears you were more interested in seeking a way to hurt the person who hurt you. That may have resulted in a temporary level of enjoyment, but it won't resolve the pain you feel.

As stated in another post, forgiveness is for yourself.

You’re wrong. The other person had not regrets and seemed to enjoy seeing me crying, and verbalizing my pain.
What I did enjoy was my time spent somewhere else, healing from the trauma.