8 Reasons You Should Stop Holding Grudges | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

8 Reasons You Should Stop Holding Grudges

Forgive, forget, and rebuild some burnt bridges.

275
8 Reasons You Should Stop Holding Grudges
Pinterest

We all know what it's like when a relationship with someone important to us goes south. Oftentimes, we hold grudges against these people for causing us any pain and simply because things went wrong in the first place.

No matter what happened between two people, however, we've reached the point in our lives where burning bridges isn't necessarily the best way to move on; we may be better off letting go of our bitter grudges and trying to make amends, and here's why.


1. You're an adult.

You're mature enough now to know that holding a grudge is anything but. You know how to communicate with others and how to share your feelings. Being an adult comes with knowing how to -- and wanting -- to work through difficult situations with everyone in your life.

2. It's good for your overall health.

When you hold a grudge, you can't help but to continue thinking about the negativity of the situation rather than moving forward and focusing on the positive. You continue to have feelings of bitterness toward someone when you could be reminiscing about your happy times with them. This doesn't help your mental, emotional, or physical health in any way. Learning to move forward without it meaning cutting off someone completely out of sheer bitterness will leave you feeling happier and more at peace with yourself and your world.

3. You have better things to do.

Between classes, schoolwork, your social life, etc., there's no time to sit back and hold out a grudge or worry about how upset someone made you. There are a lot of significant things in life and priorities you need to have in college, and holding on to feelings of hatred or regret is not one of them.

4. You should set yourself to a higher standard.

You know you're better than a grudge. This goes back to number one; you're an adult. And even if the other person is holding a grudge against you, wouldn't you want to be the bigger person and not hold on to the same bitterness and remorse as them?

5. Everyone is dealing with their own struggle.

We're all human. We each have our own personal battles to deal with. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself and staying upset at someone for causing you pain, or for the fact that your relationship went bad, remember that they're more than likely going through some sort of struggle of their own. And if you cared for them at any point in your life, you should wish them the best and hope that they're doing okay.

6. Sometimes you are at fault, and you need to admit it.

Whatever the situation and however upset you may be with the other person, you're not perfect either. There are probably several times where you make mistakes and hurt others, and you need to take responsibility for that. There are times when you really should apologize and recognize that you were wrong, even if you were also hurt in the situation.

7. College isn't forever.

When these short few years are over, everyone will be going off to do their own thing and to begin another chapter of their lives. Why would you want to leave college on a bad note with someone? This person was once an important part of your life and you probably wouldn't be exactly where you are right now without the time you had together. You don't have to have the same relationship with them that you once did, but both of you would likely feel a sense of relief if you resolved your issues and moved forward on good terms.

8. You'll look back and smile.

Rather than having any negative thoughts or regret when thinking about someone, you'll be happy remembering the good times you had with them, the memories that will last a lifetime. And that is much more important than any grudge could ever be.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

10 Things To Know About The First Semester Of College

10 things that most incoming college freshmen have no idea about.

440
campus
Pexels

Starting college is pretty scary and fun at the same time. You are free of your parents(in most cases) but this is the first time you have no idea what the heck is going on. Here are 10 things you may want to know going into your first semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter

It's not all morning coffees and singing along to the radio.

1222
The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter
morethanwheels

I've been in college for four years now. I spent half my time as a commuter and half as a resident so I've experienced both sides of the housing spectrum. One thing I've learned comparing the two is that my struggles as a commuter far outweigh anything I went through while living on campus. Commuters have to deal with the problems school brings along with a slew of other issues; I've filled up my gas tank in the worst kind of weather conditions and napped in random places in public more times than I'm proud to say of. This is a list of some of the most challenging aspects of being a commuter.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

3924
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

17985
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments