forgive and forget?

Of all my talents, I may be best at holding grudges. The silent treatment and scornful glances just come naturally to me. I’m pretty strong-willed (others would call it stubborn) so I can go weeks without forgiving the smallest mistake. Months later, if I think about it, my blood still boils like it did when my anger was fresh. To this day, whenever someone mentions prom, I still get mad at my best friend Ryan, who was my date until he asked another girl he liked better. And that was three years ago.

Occasionally my pouting comes in handy when I want someone to feel bad for doing something stupid, but most of the time, it would be easier for everyone if I could just forgive and forget. But that’s easier said than done.

Recently, some of my friends made a bad decision. Basically, they didn’t do what they said they would, and they made a big decision without me even though it affects me. And I am mad. I can see this easily turning into a grudge that I hold over them for a while, but I know that won’t do any good. It will only make my friendships awkward. I want to get over it, but I also don’t want them to think that they can do things like this all the time. When is it time to forgive and forget?

Do you have any tips on how to forgive? Or are you a grudge-holder like me?

Hugs and hearts,
Bethany Poller
CG! Editorial Intern