One foot in front of the other

[Traveler]

Interesting discussion. I'll add my two cents to the roll of coins!

I need to know that there is true remorse for what happened, I need to know that he will put me and our relationship above his whims, etc. I need to feel respected, loved, and supported.

Psychologists generally define forgiveness as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness. ... Forgiveness does not mean forgetting, nor does it mean condoning or excusing offenses.

Forgiving a person does not imply trusting them again, nor giving them a chair at your table. In Elbereth's shoes, knowing her husband put his whims so high above her, I could understand being uncertain whether to trust and rebuild. I could see how true remorse would help make her feel safer to do so.