Because forgiving those who have hurt us severely can be a very difficult task—especially when trust is shattered—Michelle Nelson has chosen to speak of degrees, or different types, of forgiveness.5 She has listed three categories: Detached forgiveness—there is a reduction in negative feelings toward the offender, but no reconciliation takes place. Limited forgiveness—there is a reduction in negative feelings toward the offender, and the relationship is partially restored, though there is a decrease in the emotional intensity of the relationship. Full forgiveness—there is a total cessation of
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