Forgive or Forget??

When I think about the people that have come and gone in my life, I have to tell myself that most were there for a reason, even if they werent very nice people, I still had something to learn either from their wrongdoings or the goodness I saw in them. Its stupid to hold on to the idea that they will change or the potential I saw in them. I know that all of us are humans and we do make mistakes, some grave ones too. I also know that one should be forgiven for their mistakes.

Some say "forgive and forget". Others say "forgive but never forget". But I think to forgive and forget is a personal decision that often depends on whether someone can overcome the hurt of an injustice and wrong doing. Sometimes the only healthy way to move forward is to look back at our past and inject forgiveness into it..I mean i totally agree that no matter what path I choose, the act of forgiving is the first step. But I just cant get myself to forget and move on..

Its a lot easier said than done I guess. Personally I believe if I forgive and forget, am sort of approving of the other persons mistake. And I prefer keeping it as a reminder just so I dont get wronged again. Because i have this strange feeling that if we forget, it comes back and gets us someday. Its like giving up the last right to feel hatred, anger atleast, towards the person who hurt you. Whether or not I get closure is irrelevant. Bearing a grudge is obviously destructive and forgiveness does give a sense of peace, but this is just another way to preserve my conscious sanity.

Basically there are a lot of emotions entwined with the act called ' to forgive and forget' . There always will be a doubt in our minds about this..
Cheers!!