‘Is Forgiving a Friend for Betrayal Possible? Expert Opinion’

Forgiving a friend for a major betrayal can be a challenging and complex process. According to Dr. Aldrich Chan, a neuropsychologist, true forgiveness begins with a decision to forgive rather than seeking revenge or withdrawing from the friendship. Before pursuing forgiveness, it is important to evaluate the meaning and value of the friendship as it will help establish the purpose for forgiving.

Deciding to forgive is just the first step in the healing process. The next step is committing to that decision, which can be difficult as it requires putting aside negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Dr. Chan warns that unresolved feelings of anger, anxiety, and depression can arise if forgiveness is not achieved.

To foster positive feelings towards the offender, practicing empathy is crucial. This form of “emotional forgiveness” involves consciously regulating emotions to reduce stress reactions and cultivate positive feelings. Dr. Chan emphasizes that empathy for the offender is a key factor in forgiveness and can aid in restoring the balance in the friendship.

If handling the situation alone seems overwhelming, seeking help from a mental health professional is recommended. Setting boundaries and redefining friendship standards after forgiveness is essential to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.

For those in need of mental health support, resources such as the Crisis Text Line, National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline, and National Institute of Mental Health website are available for assistance. Remember, forgiveness is a process that takes time and effort, but it can lead to healing and growth in the long run.