Ok. I hear you. However the analogy isn't quite right because to drive drunk is against the law, so you did intentionally do something wrong.

You're right about a fine line, and I like those suppositions.

But there are plenty of times that are not near the fine line, that we automatically put ourselves into, thinking we need forgiveness.

I wasn't discussing the compassionate thing here... but addressing the person's self esteem issue about not needing to always ask forgiveness. When the process of life doesn't impy your wrong-doing, yet you take it upon yourself to find fault with yourself and then apologize???

The book The Abuse Excuse by Alan Dershowitz talks to the subject you brought up... very interesting. IMO, if someone was abused and didn't realize this, or how that upbringing affected their behavior, they have no reason to apologize (no reason for "forgiveness.") Once they realize the issues at hand though, and continue purposely, then they are wrong... the fine line on this is about "knowing" while doing.

Trauma can cause someone to not know at the time of the doing. Take the soldier... back from the front... why would you blame him for a trigger reaction obviously not in his control? I wouldn't. So if I wouldn't blame him, then I also would see no reason for his needing "forgiveness."