Is it possible to truly forgive and forget · Society of Ordinary Gentlemen

Is it possible to truly forgive and forget

Forgiving vs. Forgetting

Forgiving is a conscious decision to let go of resentment or anger toward someone who hurt you — even if you never get an apology.
Forgetting, however, isn’t usually realistic. The brain remembers painful events to help us protect ourselves in the future. So while you might not be able to erase the memory, you can reach a point where it no longer triggers strong emotions.

I have had time Lately to reflect upon my life and times I have been wronged, or wronged others. I know in my heart that I have been able To forgive all people who have wronged me. But the mere fact that I still THINK about these people and I remember what transpired I realize that I have not forgotten, nor will I probably ever. The same probably goes for people who I have wronged (people who I have apologized to for my actions).

I believe because I expressed remorse and apologized that they more than likely have forgiven me but I doubt they will truly forget. I suppose as long as one can be at peace with it that somehow eases not fully forgetting.

There was once someone who deeply hurt me and basically lied to me which wound up destroying my life at that time. I tried maybe a year or so after that to meet up with him to see what he had to say about what happened. He never apologized at all….so I told him to leave (and I was not nice about it) and he slithered away. Oh I had already forgiven him for my own sanity but I never forgot. Then at least another 10 years passed and I divided to meet up with him (reluctantly). I wanted to hear that apology that I so desperately needed. We Chatted and caught up a bit but then I had to actually ask him if he thought about me (he said every day) and then I asked if he was sorry for what he did…. He finally did apologize but I feel I had to drag it out of him. At least for people that I wronged, I always apologized . I think that it is an important part of forgiving someone.

Just wondering how you all feel? Has anyone hurt you or wronged you where you did forgive ? And if you did forgive, have you actually forgotten. Or is there someone that you can never forgive ?

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