Grudges. Chances are, we are all familiar with them. In case you don’t know what a grudge is, it is considered resentment or anger that someone has towards a person. It could be for something that this person did or didn’t do that makes someone else upset to the point where they might avoid contact with the person who upset them for a certain amount of time, whether it be days, weeks, months, or even years.

Having a grudge is common, and it often destroys friendships and even people’s relationships with their family. Personally, I think that grudges can be avoided. Despite the fact that it can be easy to hold a grudge, it’s important that we find positive ways to express our emotions when we are upset with someone.

Let’s discuss 5 Things to Consider if You Are Holding a Grudge! ✨

#1 – Grudges can lack accountability.

You might question exactly what I mean by this. I am trying to say that a lot of times, when we hold grudges, we often try to make ourselves a victim, without fully acknowledging what we could’ve done wrong that possibly caused the falling out in the first place. It’s important that we hold ourselves accountable first and foremost to address the situation correctly.

#2 – Nobody is promised tomorrow on this Earth.

I know that it can be easy to get upset with someone when they do something that has hurt us. However, we should make sure we take time to think about the situation, particularly if we are holding a grudge against a family member or a really good friend. What were the person’s true intentions? Was there a problem with communication that could have resulted in this situation?

We aren’t promised tomorrow on Earth, so it is best to forgive, whether you continue the relationship, or not.

#3 – It is okay to keep your distance if a person has a negative effect on you.

The truth is, there are some people that are unhealthy influences. If you feel as though someone doesn’t have your best interests at heart, or they have a negative impact on you, it’s probably best to move on. Keep in mind that the grudge doesn’t have to continue. You can forgive someone without having to be around them.

#4 – Holding a grudge is not “winning.”

While holding a grudge, we often say things like, “I’m not talking to you until you apologize.”

Sometimes, we will say this to mask our true emotions or how we feel. Because we are angry, or sad, or hurt due to someone else’s actions, we try to reflect that anger on someone else by refusing contact.

The point of a grudge is letting someone’s actions affect us in a way that could be dangerous to our health. It can prohibit a person from having healthy relationships, in the future, because they might put a guard up due to possible negative experiences.

#5 – The ability to forgive is a strength — not a weakness.

When we forgive someone, and I mean truly forgive, we are saying, “Despite everything, I love myself too much to allow this to affect me negatively.”

When we forgive not only others, but ourselves, we release our anger, bitterness, and sadness. When we forgive it doesn’t mean that we are losing anything. We are winning, not because we are better than the other person, but because we are making a choice that is best for our health mentally, spiritually, and physically.

Forgiveness makes us stronger, because when we are able to forgive, it means that we know our worth.

I hope you all loved 5 Things to Consider If You’re Holding a Grudge! ✨

Although grudges are easy to develop, all they are is an obstacle that we may need to pass here and there. With a little determination and confidence, we can get through it!

Have a wonderful day, everyone! ✨