It is my opinion that I think the two worst F words in the English vocabulary are, Forgive and Forget.
I may forgive, but I never forget. Once bitten, twice shy.
My distant relative had harmed me before, many times. I learned to never forget and be wary, of him. He always spreads lies about me, painting me as the black sheep of my family.
When I was a young adult, he acted out a big meltdown, blaming me as the big evil, when his marriage ended and he tried throwing two young toddler kids at me. I knew that I could not be penalized for responsibilities for children who were not born by me. I kept quiet.
He was shouting. His eyes bulged. He pointed his index finger at me. It was scary.
I understood his ulterior motives. He was being selfish by trying to manipulate me with intimidation, threats, lies and every trick in his book. I don’t take it heart his quarrels, lies, blame games…
I didn’t have it in me to take over parenting for his kids.
Quiet, peaceful people always finish last ……. in verbal arguments. Deep down inside, I had steely resolve not to shoulder burdens that would weigh me down.
When I became a mature adult and older adult, I saw the same game being played again and again. Distant relations who are young adults tried to manipulate me by feigning financial distress, relationship turmoil and etc. Now these adults want free board, culminating to ownership of the apartment, house or whatever they can lay their hands on. They have parents and grandparents but failed to persuade them for the big gifts. Now they try skimming off distant relatives.
Forgiving doesn’t mean I will allow myself to be harmed again.
Related:
This story was inspired by Rojie’s prompt for Sep. 19, 2026 ( Do you tend to forgive and forget, or just forgive but not forget… or neither?) and her “Tell a Scary Story” prompt for Aug 24 2026.
