After my grandparents on my mom's side had been married for many years and had made three babies together, my grandfather abandoned my grandmother and his children and left to 'find' himself and figure out life. More >>

In the 5 years since my divorce, I have struggled with the "need" to forgive my ex-spouse for her betrayal of our marriage vows in order to move on. Even she (through my kids) has relayed the message to "forgive and forget," but I have just not felt OK about doing so. More >>

I am really ticked off that so many experts, shrinks, religious leaders, and medical doctors say that if you've been wronged, regardless of how severely, you must forgive the person who wronged you or you are considered a bad person who will never heal. More >>

This letter is written to all the girls whose father's hands were not pure. I have thought about writing to you about this subject for a long time. Today, I have come up with the words. More >>

...Two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey, they had an argument; and the one friend slapped the other one in the face. More >>

...I was interested to learn what my listeners have owned up to - even years later - because of their conscience; why they felt it was important to right the wrong and how doing so changed their life... More >>

I am 32 and recently married. My wife is 23 and the love of my life! No kids yet. We have both had sordid pasts. And neither of us were virgins. That being said my wife has always been able to accept this easier than I have. More >>

I listen to your show frequently. I have been a listener since I was 12 years old and now I'm almost 23 and my husband and I are our expecting our first child. I was raised with a stay at home mom, my husband was as well. We were both extremely lucky. If we ever needed Mom we new right were she would be. If we were sick, she was there to take care of us, not running off to work having to take care of us over the phone. More >>

Lately, I've been asked quite often by callers if it is "okay" to apologize to someone for a wrongdoing even years after the offense.' I can understand why that question might be asked.' It can feel a bit embarrassing to have to face someone and face up to what you've done.' It is worrisome that they might not be gracious about your apology.'' It is possible that they might "lay into you."' It may be that they say "You caused me so much grief and pain that I can't forgive you."' They might not even be willing to talk to you.' Or, they might say, with tears, "Thank you.' That means a lot to me."It IS a big risk to take.' But the most valued things in life do come with a big risk attached.' That's part of what gives them value.You must remember, however, that whatever their response might be, you are doing the apology not to wipe the slate clean (damage is damage, and some never goes away), but because true repentance requires that you do what it takes to repair the damage.' That includes the sincere... sincere ...apology.' None of that "if you were hurt, then I'm sorry" nonsense.' That is pure annoyance!'So, if you truly have remorse (and are not just trying to manipulate someone into a situation which benefits you ), then apologize... anytime ...and tolerate their first and maybe second unpleasant reaction.''Seeds take time to germinate, and coping with an apology means the whole thing is brought up again in their minds.' Be patient and understanding.' While they may never forgive you, know that you still did the right thing. More >>

More >>