@opusreality: You can forgive someone without justifying their behavior. Just because you forgive someone doesn’t mean you’re okay with what they did. When someone wrongs you, who suffers the most from holding onto that anger? It's not them. It's you. Forgiving doesn't mean pretending the hurt never happened. And it certainly doesn't mean allowing that person to hurt you again. You can forgive someone for lying to you while still acknowledging that lying is wrong. You can forgive a friend for their hurtful words while still affirming that respect is crucial in friendships. You can forgive a parent for their shortcomings while still understanding that their behavior was damaging. The act of forgiveness does not always lead to reconciliation either. You can forgive someone and still choose not to have them in your life. Forgiveness isn't about the other person. It's about you. It's a gift you give yourself. It’s freeing yourself from the emotional prison that resentment builds around you. Forgive for your sake, not theirs.