Interview Questions
In order for myself to get clearer look into the psyche of the individuals mind, concerning forgiveness, I compiled question which took the individual through a number of different stages of thought about whom they've forgiven in their past, why, and their point of view.
1. What is forgiveness?
- When was the last time you forgave someone by that definition?
- How long did it take you to do so and why?
- What had to happen in order for you to forgive them?
- How did you feel afterward?
- Do you still trust/talk to this person?
- (If applicable) If this person weren't family, would you have felt so strongly about forgiving them?
- How/where did you learn to forgive?
Examples of Answers from Q. 7:
“I mean, look at my mom, I got it from her. You'll never catch her apologizing or begging forgiveness. Doesn’t mean I don't wish for it, it's just that it makes me uncomfortable. I think that's why her and I get each other. There's no real need to apologize. It's understood among st us that there’s no hard feelings. Other people might take it as being cold, and it's certainly taken a toll on my relationships (love life specifically).” -Natalie R. age 22
“I guess I still sort of look to my dad for when to and not to forgive. He hasn't lead me wrong yet, that I can remember at least. It only seems natural to ask the person in your life with the most experience what to do.” Anne D. , age 51
“Every time I get really angry and get irrational everyone always tells me I act like mom. Then when I don't want to talk about it, I'm also told I'm like mom...and then when I forgive them two minutes later and act like it never happened, I get it again”
Graham L. , age 15
“I mean, look at my mom, I got it from her. You'll never catch her apologizing or begging forgiveness. Doesn’t mean I don't wish for it, it's just that it makes me uncomfortable. I think that's why her and I get each other. There's no real need to apologize. It's understood among st us that there’s no hard feelings. Other people might take it as being cold, and it's certainly taken a toll on my relationships (love life specifically).” -Natalie R. age 22
“I guess I still sort of look to my dad for when to and not to forgive. He hasn't lead me wrong yet, that I can remember at least. It only seems natural to ask the person in your life with the most experience what to do.” Anne D. , age 51
“Every time I get really angry and get irrational everyone always tells me I act like mom. Then when I don't want to talk about it, I'm also told I'm like mom...and then when I forgive them two minutes later and act like it never happened, I get it again”
Graham L. , age 15