We could learn a few things from dogs. Like the art of quick forgiveness. Last night I turned around to leave a room the same time as our dog Sofie got up to leave the room with me. As a result my knee met the side of her head rather abruptly. It had to have hurt her, because it sure hurt me!
I immediately apologized and started petting her, but she just looked at me as if to say, “What are you apologizing for? It was an accident. I know that.” And the matter was closed as far as she was concerned.
Contrast that with my kids, who often perceive the most obvious of accidental injuries involving their siblings as proof positive of a dire plot to scar them for life. And, for that matter, I’m not exactly the best at forgiving and moving on, either. One jerk cuts me off in traffic and I fume for several minutes. Something bad happens at work and my whole day is in jeopardy.
I really need to emulate my dog more, but so far all that really comes easily is the drooling part.