In "They say that time assuages" by Emily Dickenson, she indicates that time never did heal wounds... but we simply toughen over time. I'm not sure I agree with her.

Her word sinews makes me think of beef jerky (Eww). Im not sure I want to toughen like that. I want to stay soft and pliable, but staying "soft" over time puts one at risk for being hurt. Like a clam outside its shell.

Would love your thoughts! See the poem here

My personal opinion is that time helps to heal old wounds, but does not make them go away completely. Over time I believe we think about things less. Other things come into our lives that become the center of our attention and old wounds tend to fade. But, there are some that never truly go away, especially if it's something that really hurt you. I can remember a comment that someone made to me when I was in high school that truly hurt my feelings and when I think about it now that pain comes back full force, so I don't think that time assuages everything.

In school, people used to say "Sticks and Stones may break my bones but words will never harm me".. I think words hurt more than actions and words once spoken are never forgotten. They can be forgiven, but they always sting!

About five years ago I was badly wounded by someone who I thought was a friend (in a church). I just recently ran across the person again on a social network when she put in a friend request.

I have to say, as much as I have tried to forgive there is still a certain amount of pain and anger associated with just hearing her name, let alone her wanting to be a "friend". Trying to stay on higher ground, I allowed the friend and that opened up numerous "real" friends that I had lost touch with after I moved out of state.

I agree with you, unfortunately. I don't know that the sting will ever go away - it just doesn't hurt quite as badly anymore.