The Forgiving Life

Forgiveness

Can We Forgive if Disrespected by Strangers on Social Media?

Robert Enright Ph.D. on October 28, 2024

Research worldwide shows that cyberbullying can induce negative effects. Forgiveness can cure resentment and other effects, but how can one forgive when the offender is anonymous?

Research worldwide shows that cyberbullying can induce negative effects. Forgiveness can cure resentment and other effects, but how can one forgive when the offender is anonymous?

Forgiveness

When You're Not Quite Ready to Forgive

Robert Enright Ph.D. on September 18, 2024

Have you been treated unjustly by others? Have you considered forgiveness? To make an informed decision, you need to deeply understand what forgiveness is and what it isn't.

Have you been treated unjustly by others? Have you considered forgiveness? To make an informed decision, you need to deeply understand what forgiveness is and what it isn't.

Forgiveness

Why Is There a Backlash Against Forgiveness?

Robert Enright Ph.D. on August 2, 2024

A recent essay claims no studies exist showing a cause-and-effect relationship between learning to forgive and improvement in physical or psychological health. Is that true?

A recent essay claims no studies exist showing a cause-and-effect relationship between learning to forgive and improvement in physical or psychological health. Is that true?

Forgiveness

Is Forgiveness Overrated? A NY Reporter Seems to Think So

Robert Enright Ph.D. on July 5, 2024

Just because ideas appear in powerful media does not mean that those ideas are correct. We examine a recent article in the New York Times implying that forgiveness is "overrated."

Just because ideas appear in powerful media does not mean that those ideas are correct. We examine a recent article in the New York Times implying that forgiveness is "overrated."

Forgiveness

On Being Prepared to "Spontaneously" Forgive the Unexpected

Robert Enright Ph.D. on June 25, 2024

We examine here what appears to be "spontaneous" forgiveness offered quickly to those who offend. As case studies show, there's more to it than spontaneity.

We examine here what appears to be "spontaneous" forgiveness offered quickly to those who offend. As case studies show, there's more to it than spontaneity.

Forgiveness

6 Ways to Respond to a Partner’s Temper Tantrums

Robert Enright Ph.D. on May 29, 2024

Help them look to the past and find humility and forgiveness.

Help them look to the past and find humility and forgiveness.

Forgiveness

Grow Proficient in Forgiveness: Practice Small Acts of Love

Robert Enright Ph.D. on April 24, 2024

Sometimes it seems impossible to forgive. This is common. You can prepare your heart for forgiveness by practicing service love toward others who have not hurt you.

Sometimes it seems impossible to forgive. This is common. You can prepare your heart for forgiveness by practicing service love toward others who have not hurt you.

Forgiveness

Complete the Forgiveness Journey With the Forgiveness Triangle

Robert Enright Ph.D. on March 18, 2024

Forgiveness can get complex. As we forgive, there is work to do as the one who offended can be open to seeking forgiveness. Then, together, the two can work on reconciliation.

Forgiveness can get complex. As we forgive, there is work to do as the one who offended can be open to seeking forgiveness. Then, together, the two can work on reconciliation.

Relationships

Five Approaches for Conquering a Partner's Selfishness

Robert Enright Ph.D. on February 23, 2024

Be encouraged if your partner frustrates you by showing selfishness. This is different from narcissism, which is more entrenched. Selfishness can changed by practicing generosity.

Be encouraged if your partner frustrates you by showing selfishness. This is different from narcissism, which is more entrenched. Selfishness can changed by practicing generosity.

Forgiveness

Is Forgiveness Against Our Human Nature?

Robert Enright Ph.D. on January 22, 2024

If the essence of humanity is the survival of the fittest, then forgiveness might be a bad move. Yet, what if humanity is much more than one's position in the dominance hierarchy?

If the essence of humanity is the survival of the fittest, then forgiveness might be a bad move. Yet, what if humanity is much more than one's position in the dominance hierarchy?

Forgiveness

Is Forgiveness Incomplete If an Offender Rejects It?

Robert Enright Ph.D. on December 19, 2023

Have you ever worked hard to forgive someone, only to be met with a blank stare or rejection? Take heart if this occurred, because you likely have done your best.

Have you ever worked hard to forgive someone, only to be met with a blank stare or rejection? Take heart if this occurred, because you likely have done your best.

Bullying

Emotional Healing From Peers During the "Old School Days"

Robert Enright Ph.D. on November 24, 2023

We often consider our past to be over. Yet, when bullied in adolescence, we can develop a low self-image, lasting for years. Is it time for you to restore a positive self-image?

We often consider our past to be over. Yet, when bullied in adolescence, we can develop a low self-image, lasting for years. Is it time for you to restore a positive self-image?

Forgiveness

How Daughters Can Heal From Their "Mother Wound"

Robert Enright Ph.D. on October 26, 2023

Without consistent nurturance from her mother, a daughter can grow to adulthood with discontent. Can a close other detect the pattern and assist in her healing?

Without consistent nurturance from her mother, a daughter can grow to adulthood with discontent. Can a close other detect the pattern and assist in her healing?

Forgiveness

4 Exercises for Cultivating the Mind of Forgiveness

Robert Enright Ph.D. on September 28, 2023

When hurt by others, we have to resist the tendency to define that person by the unjust behaviors against us. Widening the lens through which we view this person can help us heal.

When hurt by others, we have to resist the tendency to define that person by the unjust behaviors against us. Widening the lens through which we view this person can help us heal.

Forgiveness

When You Should Forgive Yourself and When You Don't Need To

Robert Enright Ph.D. on August 28, 2023

Self-forgiveness is both a controversial and a delicate matter. When is it good to forgive yourself? And when is it best to avoid doing this? We examine 5 points on the matter.

Self-forgiveness is both a controversial and a delicate matter. When is it good to forgive yourself? And when is it best to avoid doing this? We examine 5 points on the matter.

Forgiveness

What You Might End up Learning About Humanity as You Forgive

Robert Enright Ph.D. on July 26, 2023

As you examine what forgiveness is and practice it, you might begin to see that your current views of persons, including your perception of yourself, might change for the better.

As you examine what forgiveness is and practice it, you might begin to see that your current views of persons, including your perception of yourself, might change for the better.

Forgiveness

How Does Forgiving Cure One's Resentment?

Robert Enright Ph.D. on June 22, 2023

When a person is treated unjustly, resentment can be like a constant drip of water onto the heart. Forgiving shuts off the drip, restoring psychological health.

When a person is treated unjustly, resentment can be like a constant drip of water onto the heart. Forgiving shuts off the drip, restoring psychological health.

Forgiveness

14 Popular Criticisms of Forgiveness

Robert Enright Ph.D. on May 10, 2023

There is a consensus building that forgiving others is inappropriate and perhaps even harmful. If this is true, then the arguments should stand up to examination.

There is a consensus building that forgiving others is inappropriate and perhaps even harmful. If this is true, then the arguments should stand up to examination.

Forgiveness

Who Is the Cause of Romantic Breakups? Two Theories Examined

Robert Enright Ph.D. on April 17, 2023

Have you broken up with a partner? Are you now psychologically kicking yourself with the conclusion, "I should have done better!"? Well, that conclusion could be wrong.

Have you broken up with a partner? Are you now psychologically kicking yourself with the conclusion, "I should have done better!"? Well, that conclusion could be wrong.

Forgiveness

What Is Forgiveness? Too Many Assert and Do Not Defend

Robert Enright Ph.D. on March 18, 2023

Assertion without defense leads to misinformation for people seeking to forgive.

Assertion without defense leads to misinformation for people seeking to forgive.