Hi,

This story might not be the typical example of making shalom, but this is what the initiative meant for me.

I was thinking about who in my life I could make shalom with as a zechus for Shaindel a”H bas Chaim Yehuda Leib, and I immediately thought of someone who had said no to me in shidduchim. I know he had every right to make that decision, but I was still hurt. Rejection is never easy, even when no one has done anything wrong.

A short while later, that same person was redt to one of my closest friends. I remember thinking that this situation had the potential to become very awkward—if I let it. Around that same time, I heard about this beautiful initiative, and I realized that he was the perfect person for me to forgive. So I made the conscious decision to let go.

Recently, my mom found out that my friend and this young man were dating seriously. She looked at me and asked, “Isn’t that the guy who said no to you? Why did he say no to you?”

Without even thinking, I answered, “He’s dating my friend, and I’m so happy for her.” As the words came out of my mouth, I realized they were completely true. There wasn’t even a trace of resentment left—just genuine happiness that my friend was happy.

Looking back, I can’t help but think about how awkward the situation could have become and how much unnecessary pain I would have caused myself if I had held onto that hurt. Instead, I was able to celebrate my friend’s mazel wholeheartedly.

This initiative also inspired me never to tell my friend that I had once been suggested to him and he had said no. After each date, my friend and I shmooze about how it went and I have the privilege of sharing in her excitement with complete sincerity.

I’m so grateful for this initiative because it reminded me that forgiveness isn’t only a gift we give to others; it’s also a gift we give ourselves.