Difference Between Forgiving and Forgetting

Forgiving vs Forgetting
 

Forgiving and forgetting may appear quite similar to most of us, but there is a big difference between them. In reconciliation, we use the terms forgetting and forgiving. Forgiving is learning to stop being angry and harboring resentment towards someone who has wronged us. Forgetting, on the other hand, is when we determine to repress what happened and move on. This highlights that forgiving is the better option in comparison to forgetting as it allows the person to heal completely. Through this article let us comprehend the process of forgiving and forgetting, and examine the contrasts between the two words.

What does Forgiving mean?

Forgiving can be defined as stopping the feeling of anger and resentment towards another. This is not an easy thing to do. Unlike in the case of forgetting, where you simply repress and move on, forgiving requires dealing with the situation. The person has to learn to accept the event and be able to find peace within him. This does not usually happen overnight as it takes time and patience. But, it allows the person to resume the relationship without ceasing it. For example, imagine the case of two friends. The one who was wronged by the other will eventually learn to forgive the friend. This can be done by talking about the issue with the other so that it allows venting his emotions. Different individuals use different strategies to deal with such situations. Forgiving can be interpreted as a healing process as it allows the individual to understand his emotions and to deal with them. This is a healthy way of resuming relationships.

What does Forgetting mean?

Forgetting, on the other hand, refers to the failure to remember. But, when engaging in a comparison with the word ‘forgiving,’ this is a deliberate attempt made by the individual. Imagine a student, who forgets a part of a lesson, this is not a deliberate attempt to forget. But, in this case, the individual willingly makes an effort to forget something, so that he can move on. In this sense, it is a mere repression of an event. For example, imagine a couple who goes through a difficult time where the trust between the two parties is shattered. The person who was wronged feels betrayed and hurt. But, for the sake of the relationship, he/she decides to forget and start afresh. The person does not forgive the other, but merely forgets the incident. The downside to this process is that, if a similar event occurs, all the repressed feelings of anger, betrayal, and hurt come out, making the individual experience an emotional turmoil.

What is the difference between Forgiving and Forgetting?

• Forgiving is learning to stop being angry and harboring resentment towards someone who had wronged us whereas forgetting is when we determine to repress what happened and move on.

• Forgiving is a healthy way of dealing with issues, unlike forgetting.

• Forgiving is the process of healing whereas forgetting is a process of repressing one’s emotions.

 

Images Courtesy:

1. Forgiving by Joxemai (CC BY-SA 2.0)
2. Rita Hayworth and Glenn Ford in Gilda (1946) via Wikicommons (Public Domain)