Why is it so hard to forgive another for something they’ve
said or done? Why do we hold grudges and allow painful rifts in
relationships to continue and even worsen over time? It is very difficult to
forgive someone you are currently angry or upset with. Beneath anger is
some kind of pain, hurt, fear or unmet need. If we are still feeling pain
we believe was caused by something another has done (or not done) to us, we
subconsciously want them to feel the same kind of pain we are
experiencing. Deep down, we want them to know, understand and experience
the consequences of their actions. Often, we want them to suffer even
MORE than we are.
Unfortunately, if our intention, be it conscious or
unconscious, is for them to suffer, they will almost certainly sense this and
feel the need to defend themselves. No one likes to be seen or labeled as
the villain, even if there is good reason. When they sense our negative
intention toward them, part of their defensive reaction will be to see us as
the “guilty one” in their mind. They will be far more likely to judge you
in return than they are to understand your pain, feel remorse and apologize.
This dynamic can escalate very quickly and lead to a
continuation or deepening of the conflict and discord which can even lead to
the destruction of an otherwise good relationship.
A more wise approach would be to pause and consider what we
really want. What is your highest intention for this relationship? What
could you say or do that would be give you the best chance of getting the
result you are looking for? Chances are, that person did not intend to hurt
or disappoint us. When the time is right, have a respectful conversation
holding the intention of finding out what they were thinking and of informing
them of your internal experience. What you want is for them to
understand…. not to make them feel judged. Avoid any kind of blame or
“attack” language. This will only increase the defensiveness and escalate
the problem.
If we are successful in helping the other understand our
pain or discomfort, which are nearly always based on some misunderstanding or
unspoken feelings, they are much more likely to actually feel remorse and to
join you in resolving the difficulty.
Makkah Time
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