What would YOU do in the following secenario.
Positive answers listed at the end:
Your sister, who you trusted completely, stole £500 from your secret cash stash to fuel her gambling addiction. Do you: a) Forgive her immediately and give her more money b) Cut her out of your life forever c) Forgive her but insist she gets help for her addiction d) Call the police and press charges
Your best friend since childhood forgot your birthday, even though you always remember theirs. When you confront them, they brush it off saying "I've been really busy lately." Do you: a) Ghost them and find a new best friend b) Guilt trip them for weeks to make them feel terrible
c) Forgive them and communicate how their actions made you feel d) Pretend it didn't bother you but secretly hold a grudge
Your partner had an affair with your sibling. They beg for your forgiveness, saying it was the biggest mistake of their life. Do you: a) Immediately take them back and act like nothing happened b) Publicly shame them on social media c) Consider couples counseling if they show true remorse and cut ties with your sibling d) Seek revenge by having an affair yourself
A drunk driver killed your child. Years later, the driver, now sober, reaches out asking for forgiveness. Do you: a) Unleash your pent-up rage and tell them to burn in hell b) Ignore their request and continue bottling up your grief c) Meet with them to express your pain and try to find closure d) Forgive them right away and become their friend
Best positive answers:
c) Forgive her but insist she gets help for her addiction
c) Forgive them and communicate how their actions made you feel
c) Consider couples counseling if they show true remorse and cut ties with your sibling
c) Meet with them to express your pain and try to find closure
The healthiest approach in these difficult situations is to eventually forgive, not for the other person, but to release yourself from holding onto anger and resentment. However, forgiveness doesn't mean excusing the hurtful actions or acting like nothing happened. It's important to still set boundaries, communicate your feelings, and give the other person an opportunity to make amends. Ultimately, forgiveness allows you to find peace and move forward.