How can forgiving make you just turn your back on the past as if it no longer exists, yet it still constantly haunts you?

Forgiveness does not ask you to “turn your back on the past.”  When we forgive, we remember, but we remember in new ways rather than re-living all of the grim details that caused us pain.  For example, when you forgive, you see the one who hurt you as emotionally wounded (if this is true).  You see the other’s vulnerability.  This helps to reduce the pain as you recall what happened.  Also, as you forgive, you likely will not be re-living that event as often as you did before forgiving.

For additional information, see Learning to Forgive Others.

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