Is it best to forget or to remember a horrid experience?

[Anonymous]

To make it short; I have been abused in my previous relationship. As I was reading my diary a few weeks ago I noticed that I wrote down some things that did happen which I do not recall anymore. They were some violent moments but I forgot about their details.
I feel like forgetting helps me feel better and I don't have to bare these hurtful thoughts anymore, but at the same time I am scared to forget... Maybe because I have been manipulated so I want to keep them in mind to recognize what manipulation is if it has to happen to me a second time.

[lost_kitten]

I think it's best to kind of do both. Stop and reflect, take what you need from those memories and distill it into a life lesson or some principles/rules (like if i'm always only doing what they want, its not healthy.) that will help you moving forward. But forget the rest, forget those feelings and don't let them tarnish your attitude or hopes for the future.
But if it's something particularly traumatic or you feel you can't deal with on your own you should consider talking to someone, a friend or a professional to help you reflect and deal.

[Gigglebytes]

It's good to forget, don't carry around those toxic emotions, just let it go.

Now I have frozen stuck in my head😡 Really wish I could just forget that toxic movie

[Flex4Ever]

I'd personally rather forget it. You can't let one period of time in your life make you scared for the rest of your life. Let go and try to suppress it and deny. Whenever some of the bad things come up, deny that it ever happened and just laugh it out like it was nothing. That's how I deal with stuff like that at least.

[FakeName123]

Our memories and experiences are relevant to who we are. Sure, two people can have the same experience but come to two different outcomes from it - but in the end they are important nonetheless.

Especially the most horrid experiences make us grow the most (or we break apart on them).

[MarkyyG123]

Remember but remember knowing that it is in the past. I know, easier... a lot easier said than done, I know from personal experience but it is for the best to remember and recall, sometimes it will serve for the best than hinder the situation

[523206720]

Its better to forget but keep the diary with you so you can avoid finding somebody like that again in the future.

[art_of_sin]

I would suggest for you to never forget, only so you can remember the signs in case you encounter a similar situation. Though don't let it hold you back

[NerdInDenial]

It is always best to remember; no matter how painful the experience, it's good to remember so you will never let it happen again.

[Tdieseler]

if you know you are being abused... LEAVE

[Asker]

I said "previous relationship". It has ended a few months ago but of course I am still moving on.

[Tdieseler]

got you

[Anonymous]

Try to forget but keep the diary as a reminder