When somebody disappoints us, if we forgive superficially we may remain secretly wounded, feeling let down by one whose conduct matters to us deeply.
Such acceptance of an impaired relationship can easily lead to overcaution in other relationships. To avoid the hurt of further disappointments, we may pitch our hopes deliberately low and, instead of looking for vital friendships, opt merely for shallow, undemanding, and relatively unrewarding acquaintanceships. Yet to do this does not contribute to our true fulfillment. It means staying poor in friendship, when we could be rich.
I made a discovery one day, concerning myself, that surprised me. During a period of prayerful reflection it came to me, with a disturbing sense of facing myself in a starker light, that I had for years been deeply disappointed in human beings in general.
