How to Become Friends With an Enemy

Hate, fear and resentment are emotions that take up space in our minds and hearts. This space could be better utilized with other wholesome feelings, such as love, tolerance and acceptance. Many people in the holistic healing communities believe that most all diseases, including cancer, are caused by harboring negative emotions. So try these tips to get healthier and become friends with an enemy.

Instructions

1. Talk over your feelings with a trusted confidante. You may be way off base in some assumptions that you have made about your enemy. The person to whom you confide may help you put the relationship in perspective so you can take the initial steps of becoming friends with the enemy.

2. Pray for your enemy using whatever kind of religious or spiritual practice that you believe in. Pray for good things to happen to the person you hold in such disregard. Even if you don't believe in a God, you can ask the universe to bring prosperity and happiness to your enemy.

3. Forgive your enemy for whatever wrong you feel he has done to you. First forgive him in your own thoughts. Dismiss the perceived wrong as something over which he had no control. You may or may not need to tell him to his face that you forgive him. Wait and see.

4. Ask for forgiveness from your nemesis. It takes two people to form any kind of relationship, even a negative one. You played a part in this discord and you should take the high road and apologize. Do not expect an apology in return, though it is very likely you will get one. Then you can express your forgiveness and work on a new relationship.

5. Invite your former enemy to join you in an important event, such as a family gathering or concert of your favorite band. Do things together on a regular basis to build and maintain the friendship.