Forgiveness, not reconnection.

If you ever offended somebody greatly and it hurt them so much that it causes them to hold on to it for a long time before deciding to forgive you, then you need to sit down and think. 

According to psychologists, forgiveness is a conscious, deliberate decision to release feeling of resentment or vengeance towards a person who has harmed you, regardless of whether they deserve to be forgiven. It is one thing to offend a person, and it is another to be granted sincere forgiveness.

If you've ever held on to the wrong someone did to you for a long time, then you would understand that holding on to grudges is indeed a burden to the offended. It's difficult letting go of what hurt you, especially when you didn't deserve such treatment. It's okay to be angry. It's perfect if you decide to excommunicate from that person. Your mental health should matter to you and you should do whatever you think is best for you. Though you were hurt, there's the need for you to forgive the person, not because they deserve it, but because you need to be in a better place. You can pretend to move on from it all you like, but that memory would continue to haunt you until you decide to genuinely forgive that person.

One thing many people fail to understand is that they're never entitled to forgiveness. It is something that should be earned and not forced. When you offend a person and they're hurt and decide not to have further communication with you, give them their space. Don't stalk them. Give them space to figure out whatever it is they have in mind. Don't be a pest after sending a dagger down their heart. Beg for their forgiveness when you have the opportunity. Be sincere and never use "buts" when apologizing. Nobody wakes up one day and decides to be offended by nothing. Give people space to heal.

People receive "I've forgiven you, it's okay" texts and think they can get right back to resume the relationship from where it stopped. More often than not, people forgive you so as to be free from the burden that the hurt put on them. They forgive because Jesus taught about the importance of forgiveness, not because you're a handsome man who deserves forgiveness. They forgive because it's just the right thing to do at that point.

When you're forgiven, they may choose to not relate with you any more. It doesn't mean they still carry you in their heart, it simply means they're done with the relationship or friendship and do not intend to continue it. It simply means you've outgrown each other. Put sentiments aside and see reasons with them as to why they no longer want the relationship/friendship to continue. Be sensitive enough to know that their mental health matters.

Forgiveness is never a notice for reconnection. You're forgiven but remain in your corner of the earth while they remain in theirs.