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.
