It takes a big person to admit that they are wrong. My dad is not one of them.

When I was 7-years-old, my family and I went on a hike in a state park. The incident occurred as we stood atop a grassy hill. My dad always complains about personal space, whether it be my sisters, my dog, my mom, or me. I stood on top of that hill, minding my own beeswax when this man had the nerve to trip on a rock and fall onto me, knocking us both down.

The whole scene was quite hilarious, although my dad insisted that it was me who tripped him. I am now 21-years-old, and this family joke is still running. Over the years, people have sided with my dad, then with me, but my story stays the same. He fell on me.

Everyone perceives the past differently, even if you think you remember something that happened or what was said, your memory has morphed it. The flaws of remembering can cost friendships and relationships. “He said she said” situations can be tricky to handle; there is rarely ever a case where there is concrete evidence as to what happened.

In the case of friendships and relationships, faulty memories can be deal breakers. It is important to put these feelings aside. Is it really worth ruining a connection with someone over something neither of you can truly remember? I don’t think so.

Forgiveness is a skill that comes naturally to some and is learned for others. Either way, the aptitude to forgive is necessary not only in personal relationships but in professional ones as well. A “he said she said” attitude will not get you very far at all in any job position. It is always best to take the high road and forgive.