How do you know if you have truly have forgiven someone?

When you stop dwelling on whatever they did (that you need to forgive them of) every time you see them or think of them.

You will have peace of mind....there's no more guilt/anger/shame/resentment......

When you are sure you have forgiven yourself

I don't think you can truly forgive someone unless you forgive AND forget about what they did. That's why I don't 'truly' forgive anyone. I can forgive people for something they did, but forgetting...it's always gonna be in my head.

You know, I think this answer is pretty individual. For myself, I was very hurt by something my husband did while I was pregnant with our last child. I couldn't trust him. I worried whenever he left the house. I used to make him take one of the kids (we have 4) or the dog, or I'd call his cell while he was out to see where he was. Then one day, I didn't do it. I guess I got busy and didn't think about it. ( He had an anxiety attack when I was going to the doctor for an amniocentesis; they thought our baby was going to have a birth defect; he withdrew $450 from our bank account and disappeared for a week)
Now, I don't think about it much at all. When I look into his eyes, I feel love, not comtempt. When he goes to the store, I know he's coming back. I have peace.

I guess the answer is that you know you've forgiven someone when you feel peace in his or her presence.

You can just tell. It's them who shouldn't be sure whether you have forgiven them or not.

you no longer hate their guts... you answer there phone calls... you talk to them... you just know really.

If you can look them in the face, everyday of your life, and not want to do them harm in any way shape or form.

you don't obsess over them anymore, and when you accidentally run into them you don't duck behind things to hide.

I think each person and situation vary. For me, I know I have truly forgiven someone when I can hear their name and not automatically think of the wrong the did to me. I also have a sense of calm about the situation and generally, I can honestly say I wish the person well.

When you can finally look and/or talk to them without any negitive feelings or emotions.

When you think about why you were mad a them in the first place - and you want to face them and put it all behind you because you WANT the weight off your shoulders...

when you feel peace when you see, hear, think, talk to/about that person or situation.