Forgive

for·give

verb, -gave, -giv·en, -giv·ing. –verb (used with object)

1. to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve.

2. to give up all claim on account of; remit (a debt, obligation, etc.).

3. to grant pardon to (a person).

4. to cease to feel resentment against: to forgive one's enemies

5. to cancel an indebtedness or liability of: to forgive the interest owed on a loan.

–verb (used without object)

6. to pardon an offense or an offender.

All through childhood I was taught to say “sorry” for the offenses I made. The other child would say “okay” and off we’d go to play, our friendship instantly renewed.

Now that I’m an adult, I find it difficult to trust someone who has said sorry. Forgiving is easy, but it’s constantly on my mind: are they going to do it again? Can I trust them? Are they going to go back to the behavior that split our friendship in two?

She has apologized. And I do miss her friendship.

She says the circumstances have changed, but she said that before, too, and then let things go back to how they had been.

(sigh…)

I don’t know what to do.