How To Forgive Someone Who Refuses To Admit They Hurt You

Aug 13, 2018

Often in this cruel world, we'll find ourselves victimized by people who don't even seem to realize the damage they've done to our spirits. Healing from these types of wounds can be difficult, but one key ingredient involves forgiving those who have wronged us.

Rather than keeping your attention wrapped up in the other person and the hurt they caused you, learn to think about your own wellbeing. Think of ways to make sure that your own spiritual, physical and emotional needs are being met. Do healthy, constructive things to make yourself feel happier.

When someone hurts you, one of their goals is often to make you focus on them and simultaneously feel bad about yourself. Don't give them the satisfaction of accomplishing this goal. Be kind to yourself, especially when other people are unkind to you.

Other people's hurtful actions and words can make us feel miserable. It's okay to admit that you feel this way. In fact, it's a step toward healing. Once you acknowledge how you feel, you can take ownership of your feelings.

Recognize that it's normal to feel bad when someone does or says something hurtful to you, but don't allow yourself to stay down and develop a permanent grudge. If you dwell on the negative feelings, you're allowing the hurtful person to control you.

One of the most challenging (but also most important) parts of forgiving an unrepentant person is recognizing that you may have contributed to some of the problems in the relationship.

It's easy to say, "If they're not sorry for anything, then I'm not sorry for anything either!" But to do that is to allow yourself to be as small and petty as they're choosing to be.

Step back and take an honest assessment of your own actions and attitudes toward that person. Have you ever done anything to provoke them to have negative feelings toward you? Is there anything you need to apologize to them for?

Sometimes it's amazing how when one person realizes their own faults it can open a door for the other person to come clean with their shortcomings as well. Even if you recognize what you did wrong and the other person still isn't sorry, you can feel good about doing your part to promote peace and harmony in the relationship.

Let us know what you think about these simple steps to forgiving those who aren't sorry. Pass this article along to help others in your life find the freedom that comes with forgiveness.