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August 2nd • Psychology & Growth

International Forgiveness Day

A day dedicated to the practice of forgiving others and ourselves. Forgiveness is not just a moral choice; it is a psychological process that can reduce stress, improve heart health, and rebuild broken connections. Today, we debate whether some acts are truly unforgivable, the power of a genuine apology, and why holding a grudge is often like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.

A symbol of peace and reconciliation

Speaking Discussion

  • Do you find it easy to forgive people when they hurt you, or do you tend to hold grudges for a long time?
  • What is more important: for the person to apologise, or for you to simply decide to move on?
  • Is there a limit to forgiveness? Are there some actions that a human being should never forgive?
  • Why is it often harder to forgive ourselves for our mistakes than it is to forgive other people?
  • Can a relationship (friendship or romantic) ever truly return to normal after a major betrayal has been forgiven?
  • In your culture, how do people typically show that they are sorry? Are there specific rituals of apology?

Activity 1: The Perfect Apology

The Task: You are a Public Relations Consultant. A famous celebrity has said something very offensive and needs to make a public apology to save their career.

Write the perfect apology. What must they say to sound sincere?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Peace

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "Holding a grudge feels like..."
  • "Forgiving someone makes me feel..."
  • "An apology is meaningless if..."