Holding A Grudge

Forgiveness is often described as a gift we give ourselves, a way of letting go of the people who have hurt us and reclaiming our peace of mind. AC has long embraced that perspective, but recently began questioning whether forgiveness is always the healthiest response. In this episode, AC explores the possibility that holding a grudge can sometimes serve a purpose. Rather than viewing a grudge as something toxic, he examines whether it can function as a form of self-respect, validation, boundary-setting, and emotional protection. The discussion looks at what happens when harm is minimized, denied, or never acknowledged, and whether refusing to forgive too quickly can be a way of honouring lived experience. AC also considers the relationship between forgiveness, trust, dignity, fear, and personal boundaries. At the centre of the episode is a question: Is forgiveness always a virtue, or are there times when a grudge is exactly what healing requires?