Forgiveness True Test of Friendship?

Every now and then even the truest, oldest friendships are tested. Usually
by a misunderstanding or words spoken in haste that of course cannot be
recanted. Other times people get involved and "color" the events and
get in between friends of long standing only to "stir the pot" for their
own entertainment or love of drama.

For most the toughest part of mending fences is actually sitting down with
their friend and hearing their perception of what took place & thinking
about what was going on in their lives at the time of the conflict. Many
times it actually turns out of course that the reality each friend was
going on was totally different from the other. Or....one or both parties were
dealing with events in their lives which may have caused stress and immature
responses to the actual situation which caused the break in the friendship.

Is it better to be right or to forgive? Do you want to win or to be happy?
If you are holding on to bitterness...what is your pay off for doing so? Many
times it takes one to let go of the hurt so that the fences of friendship may
be mended.


Jodi H. Underhill MEd. LMHC Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Certified K-12 Guidance Counselor License #MH9166 Phone: 386.747.7148 Fax: 407.264.8289 www.junderhilltherapy.com