Fun Facts about Forgiveness

When going through the recovery process, one of the most important topics that comes to the forefront is forgiveness. Whether it be you forgiving yourself or another, this list of fun facts about forgiveness will definitely help lighten the mood when you find yourself having a hard time coping with the concept of forgiveness.

1. Cats. Turns out, dog people might have a point after all. Recently, scientists have revealed that many animals are capable of forgiveness – bonobos, mountain gorillas, chimps, goats and hyenas; however, the only animal that failed to show forgiveness were cats.
2. Amish. Another study, done by sociologist Donald B. Kraybill, revealed that from a very young age, the Amish and their families enact exercises regarding forgiveness. This makes the children more able and willing to forgive at a much younger age – thus leading to a society of forgivers.
3. Heart. Did you know that the key to a healthy heart is forgiveness? When people carry around grudges, their heart rates and blood pressure increase; which in turn, leads to health problems like difficultly sleeping and an unbalanced emotion well-being.
4. Extroverts. Turns out extroverts may be needier in many aspects of life – especially when it comes to being needy. Extroverts reportedly need much more forgiveness than introverts do – and they will let you know so until you give it to them. It has been suggested that introverts focus more on forgiving themselves before they offer their forgiveness to anyone else.