Learning to Let Go After Betrayal or Hurt
By Sheri Stritof Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW Updated on October 29, 2019
Being able to forgive and to let go of past hurts is a critical tool in marriage. Additionally, being able to forgive is a way to keep yourself healthy both emotionally and physically.https://31bf6d3c1c8c604131188e484832e1cb.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
In fact, forgiving and letting go may be one of the most important ways to keep you and your marriage going strong. Some transgressions are so harmful that a marriage can’t survive, but forgiveness can still play a role.
Health Benefits
If you hold onto old hurts, disappointments, petty annoyances, betrayals, insensitivity, and anger, you are wasting both your time and your energy. Nursing your hurt (whether real or perceived) for too long can eventually make it turn into something more—hate and extreme bitterness.
Lack of forgiveness can also wear you down. Being unforgiving takes both a physical and mental toll. Resentment gains momentum and chips away at the foundation of your well-being and your relationship. Instead, share your feelings.
Health experts at Johns Hopkins report that the act of forgiveness can reduce the risk of heart attack, lower cholesterol levels, improve sleep, reduce pain, lower your blood pressure, and decrease levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Studies have also suggested that forgiveness provides substantial benefits.1The Many Benefits of Forgivenesshttps://31bf6d3c1c8c604131188e484832e1cb.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
How to Forgive Your Partner
There are different techniques you can use to find a place of forgiveness when you have experienced betrayal. Consider each method and find the combination that works best for you.
SEE THE 9 STEPS: How to Forgive Your Spouse and Let Go (verywellmind.com)