How to Forgive Someone

Holding a grudge holds you back. Without forgiveness, you can't get on with your life. Learn how to forgive and forget and you'll be a healthier, happier person.

Instructions

Step 1: Accept Accept the facts of your situation.
TIP: Be objective without pointing a finger or making yourself a victim.
Step 2: Understand Understand the reasons why the person hurt you. People are rarely malicious without reason. Most conflicts arise from misunderstanding.
Step 3: Look back Look back on a time when someone forgave you and remember how that made you feel. Understand that we all make mistakes.
Step 4: Focus on positives Focus on all that is positive in your life.
Step 5: Manage stress Manage your stress to help suppress anger and resentment.
Step 6: Commit to forgiving Commit yourself to forgiving the person that caused you pain.
Step 7: Accept apology Let them know that you accept their apology and be genuine in your forgiveness.
FACT: A decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, sweat levels, and facial tension occurred in people who imagined receiving an apology after feeling wronged.