What does "carry a grudge" mean to you?

Question

I would be interested in your thoughtful answers to the above. What does it mean to you? I have read "dictionary" definitions, but I am interested in the "street" thoughts.

Why am I asking this? When I mention one specific person to another person, that other person pontificates, "*I* don't carry grudges." Yet, I'm not so sure.

If you can keep your comments to the "subject" question and not to why I am asking it, I would appreciate it.

Thank you for considering this question.

Lawrence

Answer 1

poisoning myself with resentment when the subject if the resentment probably has no clue about it.

Answer 2

To "carry a grudge" means to remain angry at someone for something that could be forgiven -- especially when the other person is truly sorry and have proven that they didn't mean to do whatever or will try to never do whatever again -- like step on your brand new shoes ( or something more serious). Perhaps you make sure that that person and others remember how you were wronged even though you got an apology for it .You don't even think twice about accepting it.In your book....that person is forever an enemy or loser. You are therefore, carrying a grudge.

Answer 3

I believe that carrying a grudge implies that a person refuses to let go of negative feelings toward another.

In all honestly, I suppose I do carry a grudge toward others. I'm a very levelheaded person, though, and I've never actually outright hated someone, though perhaps a bias or prejudice would fall under this category, and here I am guilty of such.

Answer 4

Unless a person gets a revelation about this subject, they will carry a grudge. That's all there is to it. I have a dear friend of mine that I hurt very badly about 8 years ago. They told me they forgave me, but I see them 2-3 times a week [we are part of the same 'organization'], and the person simply cannot stand me. They stare at me from the corner of their eye, but you 'know what you know'. I would cut off my arm to make it right, but I cannot, and there is nothing I can do.

Answer 5

someone who carries a grudge has hard feelings toward another person and is often just waiting for the opportunity to get even, one way or another.
Be wary of those who claim they don't carry grudges. In my experience, they are often passive-aggressive and (to give them the benefit of the doubt) may not realize it.

Answer 6

To carry a grudge may seem like non-forgiveness, but I really think it is not being able to "forget". You can forgive a person for their transgression, but if you can't forget the error done to you, you "hold a grudge", and can't trust that person anymore.

Answer 7

Purely and simply "not forgiving". If you choose not to forgive someone, then you are the one who will suffer. If you forgive, you are free. You can really never know if others carry grudges, but you know if you do. They say if you change your own life first, then others will notice the difference and want to change themselves.

Answer 8

This guy sucker punched me when I was 15. I am 27 now and I am still pissed! This is what a grudge is to me. If I ever hit rock bottom, if my life takes a turn for the worse and I have nothing to lose, I promise I will kill that guy. I do not care if it happens this year or when I am 80, I will kill that bastard if I have nothing to lose.

Answer 9

To me this means not forgetting or forgiving someone who has wronged you. When you see this person you instantly are reminded of this wrong. Outwardly you don't carry grudges but inwardly you do.

Answer 10

To be obstinate , to cherish anger, murmur, pray inaudibly, grumbling. only the one is holding a grudge of angry within yourself towards another, only hurting yourself, so don't hold a grudge against someone else and set yourself free.

Answer 11

I carry a grudge for someone who was dishonest, unethical, and criminal in thier actions. Circumstances surrounding a certain incident will never be resolved and never forgotten.