For a marriage or relationship to last, you must forgive things like disrespect, dishonesty, and selfishness, which erode trust and closeness. Other areas that may require forgiveness include things like past mistakes, stress, and the emotional baggage your partner brings from their family, but it’s crucial to forgive yourself as well. Open communication and a commitment to working through problems are essential for making a relationship last.
1. Their past before you
You can’t build something strong when your heart is stuck in chapters you were never part of. Their past may explain them, but it doesn’t define their future. Let go of what they did before they chose you. We are not perfect and can’t depend on our past life; as we grow, learn new things, and move on.
2. The version of them that didn’t know better
No one enters a relationship perfect. We all start with blind spots, triggers, & broken pieces. If you keep judging your partner based on who they were when you met them, you’ll never see who they’re becoming.
3. The words said in Immature anger
Yes, we truly know words hurt. But sometimes people speak from pain, not truth. If they’ve grown, apologized, and changed, stop rehearsing those old wounds in your head.
4. The times they weren’t emotionally available
Not everyone knows how to love out loud. Some people were raised to survive, not connect. If they’re trying now, don’t punish them for the emotional walls they didn’t know how to tear down then.
5. Their Mistakes with money, jobs, or decisions
Stress can come from work, finances, or family, and it can lead to conflict. It’s important to forgive and support each other when dealing with stress, rather than becoming defensive or resentful. They’re human. They’ll make bad calls. Don’t turn every failure into a scar you keep scratching. If they’ve learned, support.
6. The small disappointments you keep replaying
Every couple has rough steps, days, missed calls, forgotten dates, and careless words. Stop stacking up minor offenses like trial evidence. You’re not a judge. You’re a partner.
7. The arguments that were settled but still haunt you
Let go of the urge to ‘win.’ Let go of trying to be right every time. If it was resolved, stop digging it up. You’re building love, not collecting an award.
