text: how long does it take a person to let go of the past and legitimately forgive? i don't expect an exact number or anything, basically what i am asking is what steps have to be undertaken for people to forgive each other and let go of past tresspasses against each other.  do people ever really let go of the past do you think? their is no process, you just simply make the decision to let go and forgive. people hold grudges because they want to prove to the person that they are the one that's right, and don't want to see their own mistakes in the matter.