We long to hear the words, “I forgive you” or “You’re forgiven”, when we’ve done something wrong, let someone down, or hurt someone else -whether it’s intentional or accidental. We want to know that our actions and words didn’t leave a lasting negative impact. When others don’t forgive us, it’s difficult not to let our minds ruminate about what we did wrong or how we can fix it. No matter how much we all may disagree, we want to feel respected. So when we feel disrespected by others we want them to acknowledge and apologize for it.
It’s become so crucial, especially in today’s society, to apologize for every offense. But it’s difficult to gauge what others will take personally -particularly online. It seems that anything people say or do can be taken offensively, out of context, or in the wrong way to any differing viewpoint. Despite this, we still expect others to apologize to us when we’ve been hurt or offended. So why is it still difficult, even after an apology, to let the pain and anger go?