When I was growing up, my mother would press me to forgive. She seemed to have an attitude that I was always in the wrong. This has affected my life and my ability to trust others. I also am somewhat negative about forgiveness because of this experience when I was young. What do you suggest in this case?
It seems that you now are seeing the importance of people clearly understanding what forgiveness actually is and precisely how to go about it. Your mother’s pressuring you to forgive seems to have affected both your view of forgiveness and your ability to reconcile with others because of damaged trust. I first would urge you to take a careful look at what forgiveness actually is so that you do not distort its essence. Forgiving can be a beautiful response that sets you free from unhealthy anger. I then recommend that you consider forgiving your mother for pressuring you. Once you begin to see the value of forgiving, forgiveness can fortify you against the pain from future injustices by other people. Forgiveness can reduce feelings of mistrust about the future. This new confidence that you have a healthy response to future injustices may help you to enter into future relationships with others.
