What it means to truly forgive?

i guess a person can truly forgive when they aren't hurt anymore.. i cant say that it could be given in an instant..well, it depends on the person..but in general, forgiveness takes time.. and for some..it could take years.. as for me, i dont really practice forgiveness..because in the first place, i rarely get angry.. i think that's a very good prevention.. i mean, you dont want to spend years or even days/minutes spending it angry..right?? so better be understanding..know and realize that people are unique, they respond to things/situations differently each time..and you must accept that you too are like that..the best thing to do is just smile at it..give your emotions some time to spare then make an intelligible reaction.. :)

If you can truly forgive or not, I can't tell.. it depends on the gravity of the problem. There is another way to forgive a one's mistake, that is to let time pass and just forget...this is not the best way, because the problem is still not solved, only the relationship goes further (a compromise more or less). Now back to forgiving...i really think that an important step to get through with it is to put yourself into the other's place. It is effective, because if you try to see the situation as the other could have seen it, then you get to understand why the mistake was done, if any. Empathy works and it's in the nature of certain altruistic people... And the good thing about forgiving easier is that you will be forgiven easier by the ones that know you well enough. And, of course, apologizing for the mistakes you do generally brings a well reaction, that means you are forgiven faster, easier and truly. Telling the truth, even if not very pleasant, increases the chance to come to a win-win situation (forgive + better relationship), which is the opposite to the compromise i mentioned before.

yes we can give our forgiveness to someone if you humble in your self you can give your forgiveness. many times i've hurt but praise God i overcome all hurts! i agree with you forgiveness can reduce stress and prevent heart disese and keep blood press at normal level.

its not immediate but yes we can really forgive someone who hurt us. when you are able to look back, see the situation and accept it as part of the history you share, and look into that person's eyes and not feeling any grudges about what happened then i'd say its forgiven.