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Forgive, but Don’t Forget: Navigating the Path of Healing

Why Deleting Doesn’t Always Equal Forgetting

By Emily Chan - Life and love sharingPublished 29 days ago 3 min read
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Forgive, but Don’t Forget: Navigating the Path of Healing
Photo by Alex Shute on Unsplash

Once upon a time in the realm of love and heartbreak, the prevailing wisdom claimed that the quickest way to forget someone was to “delete them.” This advice, handed down by friends and self-help gurus, was thought to mend the shattered pieces of a broken heart.

For those grappling with the agony of lost love or seemingly unshakeable relationships, erasing every digital trace of that person appeared to be the logical path to healing. It was a means to shield oneself from constant reminders and emotional turmoil tied to the past. The idea was to sever digital ties and bid farewell to their virtual presence.

But was it really that straightforward? Did eliminating someone from your digital life guarantee healing? Doubts began to creep in as one fateful conversation unfolded.

A wise friend posed a question: “Do you genuinely believe you can forget someone by merely deleting them?” The answer was not as clear-cut as it seemed.

Deleting someone from your social media accounts didn’t necessarily erase the longing, hurt, or nagging questions that plagued your sleepless nights. It didn’t quash the desire to peek into their circle of friends or the impulse to dial their number under the influence of alcohol. Deletion often amplifies the feelings of loss and longing.

Sometimes, the idea of finding freedom and ease through deletion turned out to be an escape, a means to avoid confronting the emotions that needed acknowledgment. And so, the journey of self-discovery commenced.

As the realization set in, a different perspective emerged. Perhaps, moving forward wasn’t about deletion but about embracing the pain and the lessons it carried. It meant not surrendering to the defeat of deletion, refusing to let go in a cowardly manner.

Annie’s story exemplified this shift. She used to impulsively delete her ex’s social media messages after a breakup, driven by resentment and anger. Yet, she found that this act intensified her yearning for reconciliation. Deleting him didn’t fill the void in her heart; it fueled the hope for a return.

A transformation began. Instead of casually erasing someone’s digital presence, the focus shifted to self-improvement and personal growth. The mantra became: “I must live a better life.” The goal was to become the best version of oneself, attracting love from those who truly appreciated and valued it. Over time, the pain waned, and the ex became a distant, insignificant figure in the circle of friends.

Many sought advice on how to completely forget someone, but the answer wasn’t to forget at all. Life, with its ups and downs, was a journey filled with rough patches that tested resilience and character. Why erase memories when they were woven into life’s tapestry?

The focus shifted to boldly moving forward, embracing the pain and tears as part of the human experience. Each trial and tribulation made them braver and stronger, worthy of the love that lay ahead.

Consider Sarah’s story. She once lacked self-confidence and clung to past relationships, even after breakups. One day, she decided to change.

Sarah chose not to delete her ex’s social media account. Instead, she kept it, watching his daily updates and waiting for the day she could truly let go. As time passed, she transformed, finding joy in laughter and travel, and her ex’s messages lost their grip.

In the end, she realized that the opposite of love wasn’t indifference but forgetfulness. It meant gradually letting go of the love she once held, the memories, and the words they once shared.

The moral of this love story is clear: Forgetting someone isn’t achieved through deletion alone. It’s about growth, learning, and embracing life’s journey, even when it’s painful. Ultimately, it’s not about erasing the past but becoming a person ready for a brighter future, where the echoes of lost love are replaced by the harmonious melodies of new beginnings.

Thank you for reading!

humanitylovefact or fictionadvice
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About the Creator

Emily Chan - Life and love sharing

Blog Writer/Storyteller/Write stores and short srories.I am a writer who specializes in love,relationships and life sharing

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  • Alex H Mittelman 29 days ago

    Grest advice! Well written!

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