"The relationship was nice, but for whatever reason, it had to end -- and naturally that resulted in hurt. But it was during those times of hurt that I learned how to love more than I ever did when times were great. It was after the relationship ended that I came to know what 'real love' was, more than I learned when I was in it.

...

Forgiveness was the ultimate expression of love. It was choosing to love someone without asking for anything in return. It was choosing to love someone even if they never 'deserved' it. It was choosing to love someone without expecting an apology. It was choosing to love someone no matter how much they hurt you. It was choosing to look beyond all that.

...

And by forgiveness, I don't mean putting up with disrespect or abuse or prolonged hurt. I mean releasing the bitterness from your heart so you can set yourself free. It's acknowledging that things did hurt you, but moving on anyway."

-Celine Diaz, http://r-e-a-l-talk.blogspot.ca/2013/02/forgiveness-final-form-of-love.html