CAN YOU FORGIVE AND FORGET?

If you fester over fall-outs, it could be harming your health without you realising...

Bearing a grudge can be bad for wellbeing – whether you silently simmer or outwardly rage after a row, dwelling on hurtful disagreements can lead to poor mental health. ‘Holding on to anger is a blocker to emotional functioning,’ says clinical psychologist Dr Jenna Vyas-Lee*. But that’s not all. The stress caused by unresolved feuds can be a risk factor for physical symptoms and health issues such as migraines, anxiety disorders and even heart health complications and strokes.

But forgiveness isn’t easy when you’re burning with fury, neither should you let others off the hook or be a doormat. So how should you handle rifts? Take our quiz and get the expert advice that will help you let go of resentment.

If somebody treats you badly, what do

you do?

•  Cut them out of your life completely.
• Presume you must have caused it somehow. 
• You’re wary of that person going forward. 
• Try to focus on their more positive attributes.

How do you feel now about a big argument you’ve had in the past?

• You refuse to dwell on it – they said sorry.
• Ashamed. You wish you’d handled it better.
• You made up with the person, but often think about the row.
• You’re still furious about it.

Do you give people second chances?