Are you not speaking to someone you were once close with because of a disagreement, misunderstanding, or argument?

Do you wonder how you can salvage a damaged relationship?

Now is the time to reconcile and restore those relationships, so things can get back on track before it’s too late.

The people who did you wrong or who didn’t quite know how to show up, you forgive them. And forgiving them allows you to forgive yourself too.

— Jane Fonda

Holding a grudge against the person you're angry with only hurts you in the end.

Consider these steps:

• Remind yourself that nothing can change what has happened, but learning to forgive is taking a step in the right direction.

• Reflect on the positives of the relationship. This may motivate you to take action to forgive.

• Remember that nobody in this world is perfect, and we all make mistakes. You should forgive people, the same way you would want them to forgive you.

• Recognize it's not about who's right or wrong, but how you can learn to forgive yourself and others.

• Reach out to heal old wounds. It demonstrates that you care enough to take the time to reestablish bonds that have been broken.

• Initiate the first move, even if the other person isn't willing to. Making the first move is a sign of your maturity and character.

• Pace yourself and take things one day at a time. Expecting an overnight miracle is unrealistic and you'll end up disappointed and hurt in the long run.

Don’t wait for events like relocation to another state or country, unexpected illness, or an untimely death to make you wish you had considered these steps sooner to reconcile.

Sean and Sarah's relationship ended 6 months ago. They haven't spoken since. Sean would like to reconcile with Sarah and he wants to reach out with a text message.

Which message should he send?

A. Hi Sarah, you've been on my mind lately. Let's catch up!

B. Hi Sarah, I'm sorry we ended on bad terms. Would it be ok if we meet up and discuss a few things?

C. Hi Sarah, wanna meet up if you're interested? I'd like to discuss a few things.

Meet in a local, quiet, neutral place to discuss how to improve the relationship.

Before the meeting:

• Write out your talking points if you have trouble expressing yourself verbally

• If possible, decide to have a trusted mediator present (counselor, priest, etc.) who will represent an unbiased, third-party perspective to your conversation.

During the meeting:

• Meet face-to-face in person so that both of you can read each others' body language and express yourselves in a more meaningful and honest way. Words can be misinterpreted in emails or text messages and may prevent peaceful resolutions.

• Actively listen to the other person by letting them get their feelings out, without interrupting them. When they're done, get your points across and ask that they respect your wishes to not be interrupted when you're speaking, as you did for them.

• Go with the flow. Sometimes one or both sides aren't willing to admit any wrongdoing. If the issue is not addressed but talking is happening, accept that as taking baby steps in the right direction.

• Be respectful. Make it clear up front that you won't tolerate any type of yelling, foul language, or unacceptable physical contact. This will only create further division and bring you back to where you had been originally.

After the meeting:

• Reflect on what went well and what didn’t. Write down takeaways, so you are wiser and better prepared if this ever happens again.

• Depending on how things went, plan another face to face meeting. Taking baby steps may reconcile the relationship in the end.

Reconciliation is a process that takes time, so respecting boundaries is key to reestablishing a bond.