Learning to forgive // Stop the madness and heal

Studies show that hanging on to anger and resentment increasesyour chance of a heart attack fivefold. It also increases your riskof cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a host ofchronic illnesses.

Forgiveness, on the other hand, short-circuits that processentirely, according to Dr. Richard Fitzgibbons, a psychiatrist insuburban Philadelphia. It fosters healthful changes in both yourattitude and your body, boosting your self-esteem and feelings ofhope, as it lowers your blood pressure and heart rate. It can evenhelp you sleep better.

If your spouse cheats on you or your best friend betrays aconfidence, forgiving them may take time - and it probably …