Moving through life, we bump up against people and situations that bruise. Being offended, hurt, and misunderstood takes a toll on friendships and family. Before long, time has gone by and it’s just normal to be disconnected. Sure, regret pops up from time to time and memories of how things were or could have been creep into your thoughts.
Why not take action to make things right?
Once someone is gone there’s not much that can be done to undo what’s been done. Up until then, there’s much that can be done – forgiving, moving forward, and beginning anew.
We all want to finish well. To come to the end worn out and having used everything we were given before our time comes. This should include repairing and restoring relationships whenever possible. Of course, there are times when people are too toxic to engage with but for the most part there’s nothing too far gone that can’t be revitalized with effort.
If you are at odds with someone and really want to recapture your relationship, it’s a great time to do some planning and reach out. Here are some simple ideas for repairing relationships and making sure nothing is left unsaid with those you love.
Idea: Get some counseling. Sometimes an issue has festered for so long it is a wound that can’t seem to heal. This may be a good time to get outside help. Working through your feelings can help you sort them out and a neutral counselor can help you see all sides of a situation, not just the side that justifies your negativity. Once you’ve worked things out you may be in a place to revive your relationship.
Idea: Ask for forgiveness. Sometimes we do things that hurt others. We all make mistakes and blunders and people are caught in the crossfire. Relationships can become fractured and friendships lost because of something we have done or said. If you are repentant and want forgiveness, ask for it. Own your mistake and ask for grace and a chance to make things right. Say what needs to be said to make things better.
Idea: Offer forgiveness. In the same way we make mistakes, others hurt us too. Offering forgiveness and compassion can change things from uncomfortable to finding common ground. Even if the other person isn’t sorry for their offense, offering forgiveness can leave things in a better space than they were.
Finish well and make sure there’s nothing left unsaid with those you love. Be willing to open up and have tough talks and loving talks that create bonds and come from a place of love.
