Forgive and forget. It's what you are taught to do when someone does you wrong. I've found it tough to do this at times hung up on the actions of others. I am able to forgive but I cannot forget events that took place between an individual and myself. Letting go of a grudge gives you a sense of relief and a clear head. It feels good to forget and move on without destroying a relationship but what if I told you that you can't always forget?

In life, we are not all friends and no situation is perfect. I have fought with some of my closest friends because we did not see eye to eye. Conflict is good, and without it, the interactions we engage in are a facade. In a utopian society, everyone would get along, but we do not live in a society where this is a possibility. Conflict can be good or bad based on the root of the issue. Disagreements over who pays for the check get dwarfed by disagreements between 2 countries moving towards the beginning of World War III. We can agree that the latter would create more hard feelings and a far more devastating aftermath than a $20 check.

But what happens after these conflicts? Does it end there? Just kiss and make up right? Well no, not always. I'm here to tell you not to hold a grudge but to stay aware. You may forgive but if that person put you in a rough situation then why would you want to run back into that situation? This might sound like common sense but how many times have we seen our friends repeat destructive actions. It takes a strong person to put their foot down to break a cycle of getting hurt. You must forgive to clear your mind and pardon the person but sometimes you need to recognize the actions can't be repeated.

It's important to note that you can't always have this mindset. Most time you truly should let things go and move on without any other consideration. You can say that not forgetting is for more serious instances, but I don't think that's true. It can be the smallest disagreement that can be a precursor to bigger issues. What I suppose I'm recommending is discretion to the user. What you forget can either positive or negative for the future of your relationships. Just don't let it be the reason for heartbreak.