How do I forgive someone who isn't sorry?
Trauma & Grief
Forgiving someone who isn't sorry is about freeing yourself from resentment, not condoning their actions; it's a gift you give to yourself.
Forgiving someone who isn't sorry is one of the most challenging and misunderstood acts of emotional courage. It's a process that is often mistaken for condoning the hurtful behavior or reconciling with the person who harmed you. In reality, self-forgiveness in this context has nothing to do with the other person and everything to do with your own freedom. It is the act of releasing the heavy burden of resentment and anger that you have been carrying, so that you can move forward with your life in peace. The first step in this process is to acknowledge your pain. Allow yourself to feel the full spectrum of your emotions - the anger, the sadness, the betrayal. Write it down, talk to a trusted friend or therapist, or find a healthy outlet for your feelings. Suppressing your emotions will only prolong your suffering. forgiveness practice is not about pretending that you weren't hurt or that what they did was okay. It's about accepting what happened and choosing to release the grip that resentment has on your life. Next, understand that forgiveness is a process, not a one-time event. It may take time, and you may need to choose self-forgiveness again and again. Some days you will feel like you've moved on, and other days the anger may resurface. This is normal and part of the healing journey. Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you navigate this process. Finally, remember that forgiving someone doesn't mean you have to trust them again or allow them back into your life. You can forgive someone and still maintain Personal boundaries to protect yourself. Forgiveness is about freeing yourself from the prison of resentment, not about giving someone a free pass to hurt you again. It's a gift you give to yourself, a choice to prioritize your own peace and well-being over the satisfaction of holding onto anger.