One thing this thread highlights is how varied people's responses to being wronged is. I think how we deal with adversity reveals our character and helps us grow.

When I can look back at how I reacted to bullies and being forced to do or be in situations that I didn't want to be in, my coping mechanism was to detach and retreat to my own imagination. I know that this tendency must have been aggravating for people in my life that wanted me to engage more. I recognize that I need to engage more and allow myself to feel and express anger when appropriate.

I do agree that forgiveness is a choice and there are some things that are unforgivable. Mostly, we have the right and free will to choose who we want to forgive and who we want to be with. Sometimes the people who have done us wrong show us what we don't want to be like or with. Lately, I have been trying to figure out what I want rather than just retreating from what I don't want. Again, thinking about those who have hurt us takes our focus off focussing on good things occurring in the present moment or it can distract us from working toward our dreams but we do have to deal the the hurt too. Hugs to all who have been hurt.