.

I have got to digest these thoughts and let them influence my spirit, because forgiveness is not an option when attempting to maintain a healthy state of mind.........

I can forgive, but I cannot forget, is only another way of saying, I will not forgive. Forgiveness ought to be like a cancelled note - torn in two, and burned up, so that it never can be shown against one. ~Henry Ward Beecher

Once a woman has forgiven her man, she must not reheat his sins for breakfast. ~Marlene Dietrich

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. ~Mahatma Gandhi

Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future. ~Paul Boese

Forgive all who have offended you, not for them, but for yourself. ~Harriet Nelson

He who cannot forgive breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass. ~George Herbert

I do not claim to be a walking dictionary (though my mother oddly is). However, I do have an expanded vocabulary, with a golden rule: I do not use words that I do not know the meaning of! Because, well......that would just be ignorant!

The following is not a big word, it is used rather often in situations of any conflict....but lately I have noticed that this particular word is repeated by those that honestly just want their way and do not actually want to follow through with the entire definition....

com·pro·mise ( n. )
1. a. A settlement of differences in which each side makes concessions.
b. The result of such a settlement.
2. Something that combines qualities or elements of different things.

Deciding whether or not to trust a person is like deciding whether or not to climb a tree, because you might get a wonderful view from the highest branch, or you might simply get covered in sap, and for this reason many people choose to spend their time alone and indoors, where it is harder to get a splinter. ~Lemony Snicket

How many different levels of trust are there? If anyone has any insight into these levels- that clarification would be much appreciated......It is apparently not simple enough to say "I trust you," and fully trust that person with every aspect of your life.

Do you trust me enough to tell your dirty secret?
Do you trust me enough to give me your heart?
Do you trust me enough to take care of your child?
Do you trust me enough to drive your car?
Do you trust me enough to let me practice using my tasor on you?
Do you trust me enough to borrow your favorite CD?

It is about trusting enough? Not fully trusting?

We have made everything so complicated these days that there are all of these levels of trust and you never really know if someone truly trusts you until a certain situation comes up and there is hesitation. With that hesitation comes disappointment that you are not trusted.

Then the question arises....is it your fault that you are not trusted or their fault for not trusting?

In my self described "open book with illegible pages" life, I can say this much: If I tell you I trust you, I trust you. If I would not trust you with my life then why did I ever let you into it?