When I was a child, the rule was that if someone apologized for taking your toy or pulling your hair, you had to forgive them.  And generally, the ability to forgive comes easily at five years old or perhaps being easily distracted serves the same purpose. I had unfortunate friends at age five, ones who delighted in teasing me or ditching me on the playground. Every time they came back, needing a third at jump rope or hide and seek, I forgave all. I was more relieved at not being alone than angry at being mistreated. This pattern reasserted itself as I got older. Forgiving small childhood slights barely prepares…